'67 Clutch adjustment

[Jeremy Hedges]

I am getting a '67 427 running agian after a restoration, I am having trouble with the clutch. I can't get the clutch to disengage to let it go into gear. I have the rod from the clutch pedal all the way out and still it won't go into gear. I have the right z bar and a 10 1/2 inch rod, I am getting a 9 inch rod in a couple of days, but that will only make the clutch fork not push in on pressure plate as much. What could be my problem? New clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, fork and ball stud in bellhousing. Will the shorter rod make any difference? I don't see how it could. The fork is almost hitting the body when you depress the clutch. Any help, thanks.

Frustrated

Jeremy Hedges
#31711

[Wayne W.]

Re: '67 Clutch adjustment

I dont know what clutch you used, but I have had the same problem with rebuilt units. I will not install one for that reason. You might get by with installing a taller ball stud.

[Jeremy Hedges]

Re: '67 Clutch adjustment

The clutch I used was a new one bought from Corvette Central. Were would I find a taller ball stud? And would that fix the problem? What clutch would you use?

Jeremy

[Joe L.]

Re: '67 Clutch adjustment

Jeremy-----

Assuming that you have the correct cross shaft (i.e. GM #3888279 which is nowhere marked on the part) and correct pedal pushrod (i.e. GM #3888213 which is nowhere marked on the part but is 19-3/16" OL), then the fork pushrod you require is the GM #3872960. This pushrod is 8-37/64" OL. If you're not using this pushrod, that's your problem. Or, at least, that's part of your problem.

Corvette clutch linkage is very "touchy" and must be exactly right to give you a prayer of having a correctly operating clutch. Satisfactory adjustment is virtually impossible unles all components are right.

[Stephen L.]

Re: '67 Clutch adjustment

Hopefully, you installed the throw out bearing on the clutch arm correctly. I did it wrong and had the same problem... got messed up on the correct grooves.
Just a thought. I have a photo of right and wrong if you want to look. Just e-mail me.

[Richard S.]

Re: '67 Clutch adjustment

Steve,

Can you post photo.....I think it would help quite a few members.....thanks.

[William O.]

Re: '67 Clutch adjustment

I am with Steve, throw out bearing.

[Michael H.]

Great Idea...

Rick,

That's a great idea. A pic of both correct and incorrect methods would be, as they say, worth a thousand words. This has been confusing for people for 40 or 50 years. If someone can take the pic's, but isn't able to post, I'd be happy to post the pic's for them.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Great Idea...

Mike,
I have the photos but haven't mastered posting photos on this site. E-mail me for the photos

[Stephen L.]

Re: '67 Clutch adjustment

I'll send them to Mike Hanson who has volunteered to post them. I haven't mastered posting photos... (I should learn thou as it is a great tool)

[Michael H.]

Incorrect Bearing Installation

This is the INCORRECT release bearing installation. Note position of tabs outside of collar. Tabs should be tucked INSIDE.

[Michael H.]

Correct Bearing Installation

This is the CORRECT bearing installation. Note, tabs are inside the collar.

[Michael H.]

End View Of Correct Installation

View of a CORRECT bearing installation. Note, tabs are inside collar. This is a very common mistake that people have been making for decades. Hope this helps. Thanks to Steve Lavigne for the pic's.

[John H.]

Right and Wrong Way - One Diagram

Here's the right and wrong way, together; this was a classic example of poor design, as it could be assembled either way. Would never pass today's design review bogeys for "mistake-proofing". You wouldn't believe how many of these I've seen assembled wrong over the years "I'm having trouble adjusting my clutch....."