Clutch questions

[SHOPuff]

Hey all, brand new here. I just acquired an '89 SHO from a friend, it has clutch problems that need fixing before i can get it on the road. The clutch doesn't slip at all, but it won't shift smoothly into any gears. In fact, to get it in gear at all, you have to really ram it in there, not good. Every clutch i've ever had was hydraulic, so i figured i'd replace the clutch cylinders. This one isn't hydraulic, no cylinders! ahh!

Could anyone share some insight as to what may prevent a cable-operated clutch from disengaging properly? I thought the cable may be stretched, but my friend tells me this problem occured rather suddenly. Is there a way to test it? Is there another potential problem spot i am overlooking?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[Chris Benvie]

The clutch cable could be binding. This part is obsolete, FYI.

I would suggest taking your tranny apart and having it rebuilt as having to ram it into gear really is not good for it at all. I just spoke with beth about a tranny she rebuilt this past week. He was doing the same ramming action and basically destroyed many of the internal parts.

The clutch may not be slipping but on an 89 SHO, that has suspected clutch/transaxle issues. I would replace the clutch assembly, TOB, resurface the flywheel and take the transaxle apart to inspect the damage and replace parts as neccesary.

Don't feel as if this problem is only yours. Most SHO owners have experienced a problem similar to this at one time or another.

If you could elaborate a little more on what else is wrong with the car, we'd all be happy to give more input

Goodluck!

 

[SHOPuff]

This is rather disheartening! I was hoping to find info on measures i could take short of replacing the clutch assembly. Thanks for your input, unfortunately,i don't really have any more info for you right now, as i have not driven it myself, i am just going on what my friend told me. I will check it out a little more thoroughly very soon, and then i ill be sure to repost.

thanks again

 

[AutoSHO]

Sounds like a failed TOB/broken Pressure plate fingers not allowing the clutch to disengage completely. I'm guessing it shifts fine without the engine running?

 

[TYSHO]

To answer one of your questions, you can pull the clutch pedal upwards with your foot, while the car is off, and if it clicks or makes some sort of noise in the likes, it adjusted itself.

For the cable being obsolete, I remember seeing it offered at O'Reilly's, and if not, it was Autozone. I believe it's Pioneer that offers the part.

With the car off, is it hard to get into any gears?

Like others have said, it can possibly be your TOB and/or PP.

 

[SHOPuff]

Thanks for all the help everybody. I'm going to check out the car again on tuesday next week, i'll see if i can get the pedal to adjust itself as mentioned, otherwise, i'm going to start reading articles on clutch replacement (any suggestions?). I don't remember having any difficulty shifting with the car off, BTW.


thanks again for the input, i'll be sure to repost when i have more info, or with an update!

 

[etc1006]

See my post a few more down. I'm looking at a '91 with some clutch problems. Many great responses from the fine folks here! Also do a search! I found a decent price online for a clutch. Dunno 'bout yours though. It "may" have the smaller flywheel in it. Mine is 50/50 if it has the smaller one. I have to wait til I get it and look through the maint. records the guy has. Good Luck, welcome! I will be out of town for a few days, so I won't be in touch with the board til next weekend.

-Eric

 

[Blue-By-U]

Sounds like a failed TOB/broken Pressure plate fingers not allowing the clutch to disengage completely. I'm guessing it shifts fine without the engine running?

I agree with Chris. I had this happen in my former 89 SHO; shifting took way too much effort. Upon removal of the clutch, I found 2 of the PP fingers had snapped due to the TOB chewing them off.

If/when you replace the whole setup, make sure you purchase the ceramic TOB from www.shonutperformance.com to help ensure this does not happen again.

 

[autobahnsho]

I agree on the TOB/pp failure. Mine was suddenly, after I changed the crank position sensor and put it back together. The pp fingers were worn, not broken.

When I pulled it apart the disc had an INNER spring rattling around instead of being inside the bigger spring..

some pics are at
www.photoisland.com
login id= autobahnsho
password= sho

You can get the cable through autozone. I ordered the Cumberland clutch kit there, too. $279 gets you a new pressure plate, disc, tob, and the plastic retainer sleeves that the rod that connects the fork go through.

Good luck with this. Its doable, even if it is a pain.