Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Clutch engagement question

[SRadke]

Hey guys! I put a new SBC in a 98 12 valver today and I don't like how it engages. It's smooth and everything's good except that it takes hold right at the top of the pedal stroke. Is there any way I can "adjust" the hydraulic linkage to make the engagement happen down in the middle of the pedal stroke? This should also help my throwout bearing to not ride all the time. I considered pulling the shaft out of the slave cylinder and cutting some off of it but didn't think I should do that without running it by you all first. You are the experts. Thanks!



-Scott

 

[Deezul1]

My OFE does the same thing and it makes me nuts. I cut 1/4" off the rod in the master cyl and it didnt make much difference. The throwout bearing is designed to be in constant contact from what I have read so it wont ever completly pull away from the pressure plate. If any one has better info please jump in here.

 

[bighammer]

Mine was the reverse of what you have (caught right on the floor) so I "adjusted" the pedal. I ground the welds on the part that connects to the pushrod (after carefull measurement) and then welded it back on. Just after I did that somebody recomended cutting the pushrod and and threading the ends. With a threaded sleeve connector, you could adjust it pretty easily.



Good luck with it.

 

[scramblin]

Mine was grabbing a little low too when it was new. After 5k mi, it changed. It feels normal now. I don't know if there is a break in period, but I love mine now.

 

[SRadke]

Thanks for the help guys. I shimmed the slave cylinder back to simulate cutting down the pushrod and it didn't make much diffrence. I like the idea of cutting and threading the linkage rod but wouldn't that just move the starting position of the pedal? Granted it would take hold at the right perspective location but it's still at the end of the hydraulic stroke. Still searching for answers.



-Scott

 

[SMorneau]

Mine starts to engage about an inch from the floor. It will slip under power if you push down the pedal by any amount. If you keep your foot off the pedal that clutch will not slip. I think it is the nature of the hydraulic linkage; don't even think about resting your foot on the pedal.





Does your new SB slip? If not why worry about it? If it did not disengage completely then you would have a problem.

 

[Deezul1]

When engagement happens at the top of pedal travel it is harder to control the moment of engagement and can be a harsher hookup with the more aggressive clutches.

 

[SRadke]

Also as the clutch wears the engagement takes place higher in the pedal stroke. If I'm already at the top there is no room for wear. Add to that this is not my truck and I would like to fix it right, if that is possible.



-Scott