Clutch doesn't engage after motor install

[BNelsonAz]

Just re-installed rebuilt motor in 1980 FI, and the clutch doesn't engage. Pedal goes to floor and doesn't return. Tried adjusting clutch cable full range with no help. When I push the clutch to the floor with the motor running, I hear a slight whining like it's trying to engage.

Clutch all the way to the floor:



Clutch returned to top position



Help much needed and appreciated.

[FiatMac]

Sounds like the clutch actuation arm may have disengaged from the pivot ball. If you remove the cable and spring you should be able to determine whether this has happened, and if so you should be able to work it back into place unless there has be a failure of the part.

[So Cal Mark]

doesn't engage or doesn't disengage? Two very different problems. An issue with the pivot ball would prevent disengagement. If it doesn't engage, then something is preventing the disc from being clamped to the flywheel

[vandor]

Are you sure the throwout bearing is installed?

[Tobi]

Is the clutch disc facing the right direction?

[FiatMac]

doesn't engage or doesn't disengage? Two very different problems.

True Mark. I assumed from the description....

When I push the clutch to the floor with the motor running, I hear a slight whining like it's trying to engage.

... that he actually was meaning disengage. Possibly this is a bad assumption.

So, BNelsonAz, is the motor running with the transmission in neutral, and when you depress the clutch pedal (disengaging the clutch) it goes to the floor with no or very little pedal resistance and you get grinding if you try to put the transmission into gear?

[BNelsonAz]

doesn't engage or doesn't disengage? Two very different problems.

True Mark. I assumed from the description....

When I push the clutch to the floor with the motor running, I hear a slight whining like it's trying to engage.

... that he actually was meaning disengage. Possibly this is a bad assumption.

So, BNelsonAz, is the motor running with the transmission in neutral, and when you depress the clutch pedal (disengaging the clutch) it goes to the floor with no or very little pedal resistance and you get grinding if you try to put the transmission into gear?

Mac: To your last: exactly. With the motor running, in neutral, the pedal goes to the floor, though it does have resistance, and grinding when I try to put the transmission in gear.

[BNelsonAz]

Are you sure the throwout bearing is installed?

Hi Vandor,

Yep, Pretty sure. Here's how it looked intalled before mating with the motor...

[BNelsonAz]

Is the clutch disc facing the right direction?

I believe so. You can see here with the spline receiver protruding towards the transmission.

[lanciahf]

A couple of years ago I had a problem with that type of clutch, same problem as you. I removed it and put back my old clutch and all was well. Vicks actually took it back without a complaint.

[BNelsonAz]

Sounds like the clutch actuation arm may have disengaged from the pivot ball. If you remove the cable and spring you should be able to determine whether this has happened, and if so you should be able to work it back into place unless there has be a failure of the part.

Yep, it seemed like the clutch fork had quite a bit of movement (vertically within the clutch fork hole) before I installed the spring. I'll look at it tonight with the spring removed.

Bill

[So Cal Mark]

so the clutch doesn't disengage, which from the position of the nut on the cable shows that it's run out of adjustment. Either the disc is in backwards or the fork has come off of the pivot

[fiatmike124]

You may want to inspect the firewall for cracks or flexing where the cable comes through. I have read about that problem here on this site.

[majicwrench]

I keep looking at the pic of that TO Bearing and the clutch plate and thinking it doesn't look right.

No matter what, it's coming back apart.

[BNelsonAz]

so the clutch doesn't disengage, which from the position of the nut on the cable shows that it's run out of adjustment. Either the disc is in backwards or the fork has come off of the pivot

I think it's the fork. I'm pretty sure I got the clutch right, with the protruding side of the receiver spline towards the transmission.