Clutch question

[par4tom]

I have a 61 s/b with 350 and 4 speed manual. The clutch is hydraulic.

Having just converted over to the Captains hydraulic clutch set up, the system has been bled and the throw out bearing replaced. On my first startup, the tranny shifted fine with the pedal pushed down, but doesn't really get the truck moving until I'm about 1" or so from having the pedal fully out.

Is this correct? Or should I look I look to make an adjustment on the threaded push rod that connects to the fork! If so, how much? I obviously don't want the throw out bearing engaged with the clutch apparatus all the time... Or do I?

Thank you for your help...
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[66Submarine]

Adjusting the play out so the bearing runs all the time would move the pedal further up. I use mechanical linkages, and I just go for an inch or so of free pedal travel before the bearing contacts the pressure plate. Can't say anything about hydraulic conversions; never felt the need for anything other than the OE setup myself. A late mustang ('05 or '06) I replaced the bearing in (hydraulic) was designed in such a way that it would always spin. (And wouldn't you know, the bearing had a cat failure at 80,000.) If you are just using a hydraulic cylinder to actuate the clutch fork with a normal bearing (sounds like it) I'd think you'd set it up like a mech clutch. If you want it to release sooner maybe see about using a bigger slave cylinder?

[LVPhotos]

The assembly book shows 1/4" from the top. I always have had it adjusted there stock to 5-speed.

[66Submarine]

My books say 3/4-1" from the top measured at the pedal. That's also how they were set up when they were fleet trucks when my Grandfather worked on them for the city of Atlanta. 1/4" was measured at the pushrod from the crossbar/z-bar in my books. I don't see any point in setting it any closer, anyway. It still engages several inches off the floor.

[par4tom]

I just checked it again - at about 1 inch of pedal travel (and being able to take my foot off the clutch), the truck starts moving.

Is that close enough?
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[66Submarine]

I think you are saying the clutch only comes up an inch more after it starts engaging? I don't think that's right. Check the pushrod to the fork. It should be loose enough to rattle a bit when the clutch is all the way up because the only thing holding it is the fork return spring, if it's tight there is no slack/free travel. When you push the clutch in you should feel very little resistance for the first inch or so (push it with your little finger) as the slack is taken out, then feel the throwout bearing contact the pressure plate, kind of like hitting a stop.

[par4tom]

Gotcha...mine doesn't do that yet...
Thank you!
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