Re: [AMC-list] 62 Rambler E-stick trans

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Wow, an E-stick! Let me explain something about how this thing operates. First off the clutch works in reverse. The fork looks normal except that it's on the right side of the bell. As the fork is pushed back it INCREASES pressure on the clutch instead of releasing the clutch. There is a hydraulic servo on the right side that pushes on the fork. That servo gets power from the oil pump, which is a high volume pump. The pump body and gears are around 1/2" longer than the standard pump. There is a control valve body made into the cover. Pressure to the servo is controlled by vacuum and electric (neutral safety) switch. When vacuum suddenly goes high pressure to the servo is dropped, unless the neutral safety switch is open, "telling" the control valve that the car is in gear. Of course as engine rpm goes up so does oil pressure and pressure on the clutch increases also. There is a handle under the dash similar to an OD handle that can be pulled to put pressure on the clutch for 
parking in gear and possibly push starting.

Two problems: The clutch slips a good bit on take-off by design. In heavy stop and go traffic there is a good bit of clutch wear. According to a few old-time rambler dealer mechanics they replaced clutches in those things every 2-3 years, and yearly in one case where the car was used as a big city delivery vehicle. The pressure plate lasts as long as the clutch isn't worn to the point of metal to metal contact. For a restored occasionally driven car this shouldn't be a problem.

Second problem is oil pressure. After 60-80K (depending on how well the car was taken care of) oil pressure starts to drop a bit. This decreases pressure to the clutch which causes it to slip and wear more. Hard seals in the servo due to age contributes to this. The servo has a single square o-ring seal similar to a disc brake caliper seal. Not sure how hard that would be to get.

I bought a car with an E-stick with an L-head and 80-85K on it. It had started slipping pretty bad. The seller had already purchased a standard bell and clutch linkage, so I changed it over. The E-stick uses a slightly larger diameter clutch (9-1/8" vs. 8-3/4" or 9"... forget which the standard manual used). I'm pretty sure I used the same flywheel, but can't recall 100%. The servo dripped a little oil, but not a major leak. Low vacuum may have contributed to the weak clutch also. If the engine needs rebuilding that will affect the clutch. Once rebuilt it should be fine though. Nothing special about the trans, just need the clutch and brake pedal, linkage, bell, and clutch/pressure plate to swap (might need the flywheel, but I don't think so).


---------------
Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2010 19:22:11 -0700
From: Jim Shadwick<idahoamx@xxxxxxxxx>

OK...guys...went to look at a 62 Rambler American 2dr with a E-stick
trans......Good/Bad problems?????

has been sitting for most of the last 5 years.....

good...body is straight..had one repaint clear coat peeling off...
bad..front seat needs fixed...head liner....
      engine needs rings????.....

asking $1100 would take $900.....


--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)


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