Clutch experts - advice please
Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:24 am
I've just installed a Helix 4 paddle ceramettalic clutch to my Turbo. I've had a number of problems with getting it to actually work though.. The clutch uses a self adjusting cable which just didnt seem to adjust enough to fully release the clutch, the end result was you couldnt get it into gear at all. Once, and only once did i manage to drive it *just*, so i left it for a few weeks and came back to it.
My Dad tried shortening the cable in the meantime and this made the clutch work, pedal was very heavy, and biting point near the top. Didnt want to drive it like this so looked for other solutions.
I ended up fitting 5 x 1mm washers to the the top of the cable where it exits from the bulkhead, retaining all the rubbers in the system. I can engage gear perfectly smoothly at idle, and it doesnt crunch into reverse, a good sign. Pedal pressure is heavy but to be expected with a stronger plate. Clutch bites approx 1 inch above the floor and seems to work perfectly.
However, whilst it drives fine normally, if you drive it hard, it has problems with getting into gear, especially 3rd. It will go in, but requires extra pressure on the gearlever, it doesnt so much crunch into gear, but it doesnt sound healthly like this.
As a result of the washers, the clutch pedal sits higher than before, but isnt noticeable when driving.
I am hoping that fitting one more washer (there is still some slack at the top, enough for one more) will allow the clutch to disengage just that little bit more and solve my problem. I scuffed up the pressure plate (which was used) aswell as the flywheel, i'm not sure if this could cause a problem and may well sort itself out in a few hundred miles but i need the advice of others and will take on board any suggestions that may help.
Gareth
My Dad tried shortening the cable in the meantime and this made the clutch work, pedal was very heavy, and biting point near the top. Didnt want to drive it like this so looked for other solutions.
I ended up fitting 5 x 1mm washers to the the top of the cable where it exits from the bulkhead, retaining all the rubbers in the system. I can engage gear perfectly smoothly at idle, and it doesnt crunch into reverse, a good sign. Pedal pressure is heavy but to be expected with a stronger plate. Clutch bites approx 1 inch above the floor and seems to work perfectly.
However, whilst it drives fine normally, if you drive it hard, it has problems with getting into gear, especially 3rd. It will go in, but requires extra pressure on the gearlever, it doesnt so much crunch into gear, but it doesnt sound healthly like this.
As a result of the washers, the clutch pedal sits higher than before, but isnt noticeable when driving.
I am hoping that fitting one more washer (there is still some slack at the top, enough for one more) will allow the clutch to disengage just that little bit more and solve my problem. I scuffed up the pressure plate (which was used) aswell as the flywheel, i'm not sure if this could cause a problem and may well sort itself out in a few hundred miles but i need the advice of others and will take on board any suggestions that may help.
Gareth