Clutch doesn't disengage

[TimboSHO]

I searched and didn't find anything besides adjustment of the cable, so here it goes. I installed a trans today and when I got it all in, the clutch doesn't disengage. It makes a slight difference when the pedal is pushed and released, but the wheels always move with the clutch pedal pushed. I had someone push the pedal while I made sure the arm was moving, so it has to be something inside. My question is what are the options? Could the fork be broken? I spent a little bit of time trying to free it (while it was out of the car) because it was frozen pretty good. Or could it be that I installed something wrong? I R+R trannies for a living, and I haven't done it yet, but there's a first time for everything. I just can't see anything other than a broken fork or the clutch itself being installed wrong. Ideas? Thanks!

 

[egroce11]

The way you explained it, it really sounds like you put the clutch disk in with the flywheel side towards the trans. (and don't ask how I know)

 

[doclees]

What clutch kit? ya did remember to bolt the fork to the shaft? Sure there is no slack in the cable?

 

[ty91sho]

did you measure the thickness of the clutch disc compressed and decompressed? if they are to thick it will not have enough adjustment to release it and therfore you will have to take it all down and get a new clutch. i was amazed i called the company (fenco) and they said that is the normal thickness. so there are some clutches that are set up for failure before you even put them in. i did this once and beleive me i will ALWAYS measure the thickness of the disc now.

 

[kzoosho]

I asked him and he said that he put the clutch in right and its a stock clutch. it disengaged before he put the new tranny in it thats the problem. Well we will prolly pull it and check the disc and the clutch fork in da am.

 

[TimboSHO]

The way you explained it, it really sounds like you put the clutch disk in with the flywheel side towards the trans. (and don't ask how I know)

I'm really leaning towards this, even though I specifically remember putting the 'engine side' towards the engine..... ah well.....

What clutch kit? ya did remember to bolt the fork to the shaft? Sure there is no slack in the cable?

It's a stock Valeo clutch that was installed in the last trans about 1500 miles ago. No problems with the clutch before. I did bolt the fork to the shaft as well. The fork was frozen onto the shaft anyways, I was trying to get it out so I could wire wheel it a bit to get it to free up, but I couldn't get the fork to come off the shaft. But I did put the bolt back in. And there is no slack in the cable either.

did you measure the thickness of the clutch disc compressed and decompressed? if they are to thick it will not have enough adjustment to release it and therfore you will have to take it all down and get a new clutch. i was amazed i called the company (fenco) and they said that is the normal thickness. so there are some clutches that are set up for failure before you even put them in. i did this once and beleive me i will ALWAYS measure the thickness of the disc now.

How would I measure it compressed and decompressed? I'm pretty sure it's not the clutch though, because it did work on the previous trans just fine. I even took it off to make sure there was no metal in it, but I'm thinking I might have reversed the disk. Ug...... I'll report back after I get it apart again....

 

[AREA 91]

I would check the quill sleve. If green loctite wasn't used, your in trouble.

 

[TimboSHO]

I would check the quill sleve. If green loctite wasn't used, your in trouble.

That's the one that goes on the input shaft for the TOB? I never knew those had to be loctited..... I had to take the sleeve off of the old trans and put it on the new one, and I just tapped it out and tapped it back on.

 

[NWGRN94MTX]

You did prop the clutch petal up when you changed it I assume?

 

[TimboSHO]

Ok, I guess I'm the TOOL of the day! I installed the clutch disk backwards. I even remember reading "engine side only" on the one side of the disk and thinking "I wondering how many idiots have put this on the wrong way?" Well, add me to the list! Thanks for the suggestions, and remember to double and triple check the obvious! Hopefully someone can learn from my mistake.......

 

[98TRSHO]

Is it done then Tim???