Clutch Helper String - is it working properly?

[jedwards1123]

Hi all,
I have a 1983 911 SC cab and I am hoping for some help in determining whether I should change the Omega clutch helper spring, or if there are symptoms I can look for that will tell me if it needs changing or not?

The spring is intact but as I am newish to the car, I don’t know what it should feel like.

As the part plus postage to Australia will cost about $150, I don’t want to waste that money if it’s not necessary?

Any advice on what to look for?

Jeff

[E Sully]

The omega spring helps ease the amount of pressure needed to operate the clutch pedal. If it is not functioning, the clutch would operate, but the pedal would feel heavy and stiff.

[Oh Haha]

It's difficult to share "feel" over the Web. Is there anyone near with an SC or Carrera that you could drive? Yours may be just fine but without anything to compare it with you don't know.

BTW-it WON'T feel like a modern, hydraulic actuated clutch even when properly.

[mpetry]

I had a helper spring break. You'll know it. You can still drive the car but the clutch effort / pedal pressure is much heavier.

I describe the correct feel of the clutch as "over center". While a modern hydraulic clutch has an even, linear pressure over the whole stroke, I find that when properly adjusted, with the 1mm gap, preload set on the bordon tube, and helper spring in place, there is about 1" (maybe less) of take up, then an intial heavy pressure which then tapers off smootly as the helper spring goes over center.

Ideally your clutch engagement should be about halfway down, so you are not fighting maximum pedal pressure as you start off.

Hope this helps.

[jedwards1123]

Thanks guys. That's a big help.

[DRACO A5OG]

You can remove the smaller clutch arm and spring, it will help release the Omega spring pressure to check if the helper arm that is connected to the Omega spring is moving without binding. Also check that the Omega spring bearing moves without binding.

If one or both binds take it apart the omega spring and place some bearing grease in it and shaft of the clutch, it will help allot. Mine was bone dry and was rusted on. My Omega bearing was also in need of grease.

Put everything back as you found it, I found I did not need to adjust the clutch cable if the adjustment nut was not touched.