Clutch problems

[t11ner]

Hi fellas

The clutch pedal on my 1982 3.0sc feels odd!

It had been working fine but following a short motorway run I dipped the clutch to change down on the sliproad and instead of moving smoothly all the way down, it went about half way and then was very stiff. It will still engage gears but crunches into reverse so it obviously isn't clearing properly. It's tricky to describe but it feels as if it's bending something on the lower half of the travel rather than moving it, the tension gets stronger the further down you press.

Are there any common linkage or cable problems on these or am I probably heading for a problem with the pressure plate in the clutch.

Any suggestions that don't involve removing the engine would be very welcome [&:]

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

Hello,
I recommend you jack up the car on axle stands for both rear wheels and look at the clutch lever for anything obviously wrong. Have someone operate the clutch pedal while you watch the lever action from under the car, my car (1983 SC) has a clutch lever circular assist return coil spring so if your car has one check this is doing its job.
I think this is the first step in your investigation.
Cheers
John

 

[t11ner]

Thanks John, I'll get it up on the two poster and start investigating.

Steve

 

[t11ner]

Well, that wasn't too painful!

It is the auxilliary clutch return spring that is broken as you suggested. Judging from the rust on the break, it looks like it has been broken for some time but it must have vibrated round so that when I pressed the clutch pedal it was getting sandwiched between the lever and the gearbox casing. This was causing the extra resistance on the pedal [].

I'll get a new one and fit it but at least it is usable in the meantime and I don't have to look at dropping the gearbox!! [8D]

Would have been a bit of a nuisance if it turned major as I am seriously thinking about trading it in on a 993 some time this year!

Any suggestions as to how much a 1982 sc with 100k and good history is worth? There is a bit of rust on the rear arches just above the bumper and at the bottom of the A pillars - in both cases it hasnt got any worse over the two years I've had it. Other than that, it's been a lovely thing to own. It's metalic brown with half-leather and half chequer pattern - very 1980s []

 

[bones]

Good to hear you can keep driving. Unless you can find a buyer who doesn't realise the implications of rust on the A-pillars and elsewhere you are looking at a sub 9-9.5k price.

 

[t11ner]

TBH, I wouldn't be too upset if it went for about £9k, it's a really pucker car but not a total minter; a car to be driven and used rather than just polished and displayed.

I gather that the A pillar repairs are a bit drastic []?