Clutch Adjustment (another one)

seafood10 · 04-11-2010, 12:12 PM

OK, I have searched but could not find an answer to my issue. My clutch helper spring broke and I replaced it and also installed a new clutch cable. OK, so I adjust everyting under the car and I get the 1mm between the adjusting bolt and the swing arm, go inside and with my hand I push down on the pedal about 10 times, check the clearance and the 1mm is still there.
I take it for a test drive and the clutch feels great, its adjusted perfectly, go back and raise the car and the 1mm is gone and I simply cannot get it back until I release the cable and start the whole thing from scratch again.
I have done this a few times and am now just frustrated to no end....
Is there supposed to be a 1mm clearance there at all times or is it supposed to disappear? Is it because it's a new clutch cable?
When I pry the swing arm to the rear of the car the tension increases and then all of a sudden it snaps back and hits the exhaust and then from there I can adjust it and get the 1mm clearance. I've done it this way a few times and when I drive the car it feels perfect, just cannot figure out the whole clearance thing???
Any help please???
thanks

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

84 cab? and you say it feels perfect? what's a mm between friends! if you like it, leave it alone.

seafood10 · 04-11-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Brown

84 cab? and you say it feels perfect? what's a mm between friends! if you like it, leave it alone.

Well that is what I thought too but then thought that Porsche may want a little clearance there so that there is no pressure on the clutch arm which cause slippage or premature wear?

Should I be extra worried that there is no clearance? I have to stop being such a worrier and get out from under the car and inside of it!
thanks

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

does the 84 have the big omega spring in there also? along with the other spring.

seafood10 · 04-11-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Brown

does the 84 have the big omega spring in there also? along with the other spring.

You bet. The Omega spring broke which is why I started this whole project.

jrumiano · jrumiano's Garage

Sounds like the clutch release lever is stuck to the shaft. Does the lever move freely on the shaft? If not, you'll need to remove the lever and clean and lube the shaft.

John

seafood10 · 04-11-2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrumiano

Sounds like the clutch release lever is stuck to the shaft. Does the lever move freely on the shaft? If not, you'll need to remove the lever and clean and lube the shaft.

John

Hi, actually I took everything apart, had to in order to replace the Omega spring. I cleaned it all up and re-lubed everything and it is smoother than a baby's butt now, so I do appreciate your reply John but that is not the issue.
Thanks
Sean

seafood10 · 04-14-2010, 11:49 AM

Bump

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

Bump, you can't bump your own thread! Did you fix this? how's it working.

seafood10 · 04-14-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Brown

Bump, you can't bump your own thread! Did you fix this? how's it working.

Sure I can.....I just did....it didn't tell me that I couldn't????
no, it's not fixed, hence my bumping my thread in order to bring it back into the spotlight to garner more attention to it and hopefully have someone answer me that knows the answer.....

jtfreels · 04-14-2010, 01:04 PM

I don't want to be an alarmist but........

I had a sort of similar problem, but as soon as I pushed down on the clutch pedal I would loose the gap. Much worse than yours I could not get it in gear.
Turned out the clutch throw out arm was cracked and the crack widened each time I pressed on the pedal.
Had to replace the arm.

Hopefully not the case with yours.

Jay

CCM911 · 04-14-2010, 01:06 PM

Why did you go back in and check if it felt fine? I would let it be. And if it made you feel better, just adjust the cable for a little slack. Actually, I do mine that way. If everything is adjusted OK, then just make sure that there is not too much tension on the cable. It sounds like you are OK at this point.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 04-14-2010, 01:11 PM

just a thought, have you checked the adjustment/attachment screw by the pedal? IF I remember correctly there is a slight adjustment that can be made there. I seem to remember I did not get the cable properly/fully attached to the pedal the first time.

I also want to say (could be wrong) that my gap on the '83 approaches 1mm but is adjusted so a sheet of paper can get between. It has been a few years since I was under there...

wesayso · 04-14-2010, 01:25 PM

Does the omega spring return to the rest position near the exhaust? You mentioned you pry the lever back and it swings out to the exhaust but was it still there after the test drive?

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

I think your good to go, check back in here 500 miles from now and report.

j_mancini · 04-15-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groesbeck Hurricane

just a thought, have you checked the adjustment/attachment screw by the pedal? IF I remember correctly there is a slight adjustment that can be made there. I seem to remember I did not get the cable properly/fully attached to the pedal the first time.

I also want to say (could be wrong) that my gap on the '83 approaches 1mm but is adjusted so a sheet of paper can get between. It has been a few years since I was under there...

Correct, the clevis on the end of the cable can be adjusted, about 1/2 inch or so. It's difficult to reach it in the tunnel, but do-able. I just reinstalled my drivetrain with a new clutch and had to adjust that clevis a bunch in order to have sufficient room at the clutch arm end to allow for those adjustments. Also, make sure your pedal is fully back (towards seat) when making those final adjustments.