Hey guys,

Havent been here for a while..had a bit of an issue so I thought id ask the ever helpful souls here!!!

I recently replaced the bushes and washers for the equalizer bar etc and fit in a new spring to the clutch release mechanism. It works fine till I end up going into a bend and then dumping the clutch. The release rod falls out of place and so does the spring....I am at my wits end..to give a bit of detail on how I adjusted the release rod, I loosen the adjustment bolts and then tighten it in place just as it makes contact with the clutch plate underneath the transmission. IF i dump the clutch in a straight line it doesn't happen!!! I thought there might be a bit of play but there is none...Anyone have any advice? I need a permanent solution, I want the car to remain original therefore I do not want to get a modern system...please if anyone can offer any help!!!


Thanks!!

 

Just to clarify:

1) your "clutch mechanism spring" - There are 2 springs,one under the dash to help with pedal effort and another under the car, this is the one that holds tension on the adjustment rod.


2) the rod your talking about is the "lower rod" from the bottom of the Z bar to the clutch fork?

 

Actually, there are three springs. One assist spring under the dash, one return spring from the top of the equalizer to the firewall, and one retaining spring from the bottom of the equalizer to the release lever. With all these in place, it can't fall out.

 

If you haven't already, check the driver's side motor mount.

 

its the return spring under the car next to the adjusting rod and yes its the lower rod...the shop manual calls it the release rod

thanks!!

 

Just got under the car and took the whole zbar assembly apart. I checked the mounts, they were all in order. I checked the dimensions of the bushes and felt washers and they were fine as well. What was interesting was that I had turned left and dumped the clutch and the bar popped off the left side (driver side) mount...

What do you guys think the issue might be? I think that perhaps there has been some wear and tear in the dimensions of the bar and it might have grinded over time and shortened itself in length between the 2 mounts. Thecar is factory original to this day so im thinking that the previous owners probably had a run in and replaced just the bushes. I say this because on closer inspection; the left side (once again passenger side)is a bit worn down and I filed it down slightly because I thought the roughness might cut into the felt washers while rotating around the mount and damage it.

Please do share whatever you guy can!!!!!

 

actually could I get some dimensions of a brand new/ optimum condition one. the actual bar, from end to end between the mounts please

 

My bet is with Oxnard Montalvo, check the motor mounts.

Is the lower spring located correctly, keeping the tension on the rod?

 

Hmm..come to think of it you guys are right, the engine mounts could be the issue. I know of the generic way of checking mounts by reving the engine and checking the play at the mounts. I have noticed my engine does move, by memory the driver side rises up and the passenger side goes down...or is the other way around..hmm...ill double check...is a little movement normal? or should it be rigid with no movement at all?

If a little movement is allowable, how would I know if its alright? measure the height change? please advise as I have never checked the engine mounts before..

thanks

 

Drive down the street in second gear and deck it. If your shifter leans over toward the passenger's seat the drivers side motor mount has separated.