Expert: Brad Sears - 9/9/2009

Question
I recently installed a new clutch disc, clutch cover assy, t-o bearing; resurfaced flywheel in my 1953 Chevy.  The problem is in the pedal adjustment--there is none.  The pedal is halfway to the floor after all adjustment is done.  My first set of parts came from BowTie Bits in Wichita, KS.  But, when the set-up didn't work properly, I purchased another set of parts from Phoenix Friction.  The problem is the same with both sets of parts.  The original clutch fork appears serviceable and still bent correctly.  What should have been a simple R & R has turned into a nightmare.  I carefully loosened the clutch cover assy after final installation and hookup.  When the pressure was off (about an 1/8 inch away from flywheel), there was no clearance at the t-o bearing.  But, as I tightened the clutch cover bolts the clearance increased to the point of having too much clearance.  I have not returned any of my parts yet.  Any ideas on this problem?

Answer
If I were doing the diagnosis now I would go back to the parts that came out originally. I would very carefully measure the TO bearing and collar, the thickness of the disc and the height of the pressure plate fingers. Then check to make sure that the clutch fork is riding correctly on the pivot ball. Finally make sure that the Z bar linkage has not bent or lost its weld. But start from the original stuff if you still have it. Keep me posted.
Brad