Re: [Amc-list] Slipping clutch, adjustable? Or transmission shop time?

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

Bruce Griffis wrote:

> I think we discussed this before, and the clutch adjusts
> automatically, and there is only maybe 1/2" worth of adjustment that
> can be done. Correct me if I'm wrong. If the clutch is adjustable, how
> do I do that? I'd like to see if that helps, before wandering off to a
> transmission shop.

Bad news here... that adjustment is only for free play in the pedal, so 
that it doesn't put a constant pressure on the throwout bearing and wear 
it out. It doesn't actually adjust the clutch itself, which is 
non-adjustable.

If there's free play (eg. you can press the pedal down 1" or so before 
you meet resistance) you're done. Likely, if it was tight for long, 
you'd head the bearing groan or whine when you lightly press the clutch 
pedal.

If it's slipping, the only real choice (besides driving it...) is a new 
clutch.

On your car that won't be a major job. Clutch swaps can be done in an 
afternoon if you've done one before and you have the parts on hand.  The 
worst parts are hefting the trans in and out! It's heavy, and you're on 
your back! (I assume you have a driveway, and not a shop and lift!) The 
other "tough" part is aligning the clutch disk with the pilot hole -- 
there's a tool for it but I do it by eye and a trick (but I'm an idiot).

You probably have a 9" clutch. Those are fairly easy to find. Mine was 
8" hard to find! Don't cheap out here -- get new pressure plate, driven 
disc, throwout bearing.

One more thing may be worth looking at -- the early Americans use a 
weird steel and fabric thing that supports (in tension) the inner clutch 
linkage pivot. THey are all rotten. BUT! someone's now reproing them. 
Galvins etc has 'em. I made one out of sheet steel (wish me luck...) but 
  now replacements are available. 64-up may have eliminated them though. 
That would be a good thing.


(Twice now, I installed my T-96 by laying on the ground, getting the 
trans on my chest, and simply heave-ho -- went right in, flat and smooth.)


PS: Get $15 (or more) worth of quarters and go to one of those wand type 
car washes, put it on RINSE, put the wand 1" from the metal, and remove 
as much crud as you can from the chassis. You'll get wet and grubby. You 
won't regret doing that!
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