bad clutch?

[oldspert]

I pulled my engine to check the clutch because I had to nearly push the pedal through the floor to get it to release. Upon checking I think a new clutch had been installed. The disk looks like it is brand new, so at some time in the past a new disk had been installed. I don't think the person knew how to adjust the fingers because they were not the same height by over nearly 1/8 of an inch and worn unevenly. The bolts are not graded bolts, if that makes a difference. So a new pressure plate is going in with a new throwout bearing, just in case. The flywheel looks like it was re-surfaced or maybe it is a new one. I can't find any slippage in the pedal linkage so maybe that is OK, the release arm is not cracked as far as I can tell.
Ed

 

[CWPASADENA]

Be sure and check the clutch disc to see if it may be one of the poor quality parts made in China. These are notorious for coming apart. The good quality discs are made so the springs are captured and won't come out.

Just a suggestion,

Chris W.

 

[nkaminar]

The fingers need to be adjusted to be equal to each other within a few thousands. The height is not as important. If they are not adjusted correctly that will make the symptoms you described. As you push on the clutch peddle some part of the pressure plate will come off but on all of it. So you will get some resistance but the clutch will not release.

 

[JayJay]

FWIW, on the engine I just built, I surfaced the flywheel and installed a new pressure plate and friction disk. I spent a good bit of time fussing with the clutch fingers after installing the pressure plate. I also rebushed the pedals and honed to fit. Driving it now, the clutch is like butter. I don’t think I’ve ever had a smoother clutch on a car, Model A or modern.