Let's talk old clutch

rodo · Post by **rodo** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:19 am

My '81 has not run in at least six years. Clutch pedal is stiff and does not come all the way back easily. I'm not sure what to think of that. The spring is on (I put it on and it is bloody tight). What is keeping the clutch from being smooth? Gummed up cable? Or...? Thanks for any insights. How would anyone work on an old FIAT without this website??

18Fiatsandcounting · Post by **18Fiatsandcounting** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 10:14 am

The two most likely causes are a gummed up cable or a gummed up clutch mechanism (throwout bearing and/or clutch fork) inside the bellhousing. Try this: From underneath the car, loosen the clutch cable from the clutch fork. If the clutch is still stiff to press down, then the issue is likely the clutch cable. If, on the other hand, the clutch is now much better, the problem is likely either the throwout bearing or the shaft it rides on, or the clutch fork.

Tip: When doing the test I mention above, I don't remove the pivot nut and locknut completely. I just unscrew the two to the end of the threaded rod at the end of the clutch cable, and then test the clutch pedal. This helps keep the cable housing ends from coming out of where they should be.

-Bryan

RRoller123 · Post by **RRoller123** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 10:26 am

+1.

Tima, this applies to what we were looking at yesterday, good advice.

rodo · Post by **rodo** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 12:09 pm

Excellent plan, thanks 18Fiats!

SteinOnkel · Post by **SteinOnkel** » Thu Dec 26, 2019 1:10 pm

Your firewall is intact? They like to crack and break where the clutch cable goes through.

Let's talk old clutch

Let's talk old clutch

Re: Let's talk old clutch

Re: Let's talk old clutch

Re: Let's talk old clutch

Re: Let's talk old clutch