Clutch Cable Didn't fix it 1978

[topdownstl1978]

So, first time out this spring I lost ability to shift. I read several posts and diagnosed the problem as stretched clutch cable. Picked one up from Vick's, read more posts about how to replace the cable and this morning I started. Old cable came out and new cable went in way to easy. After installing the new cable I adjusted and adjusted, still very little resistance in clutch pedal, even with adjustment all the way until no more threads available.

Couple of things I noticed. 1. The car will shift gears with the motor off and without using the clutch. This does not seem right, but I need to ask. 2. The clutch fork looks like there is a welded repair on the top, but it does not appear to be cracked again or bend.

The transmission was completely rebuilt 1.5 years ago and new clutch, pressure plate, throw us bearing installed. Very few miles Put on it since then.

What could the problem be? I thought it would be the clutch cable and that went in so easy I thought I'd be out driving today.

Any help is appreciated Fiat Fans!,

Oh, one other thing. While installing then new clutch cable I noticed that I do not have the clip on the clutch pedal that I have seen refereed to as the "Jesus" clip. And also the large sprain under the dash for the clutch is missing. Do I need either of these?

[topdownstl1978]

After reading yet more posts and messing around with the fork, it looks like possibly the fork has come off of the pivot ball. Can this be corrected without pulling the tranny?

[Rambo]

After reading yet more posts and messing around with the fork, it looks like possibly the fork has come off of the pivot ball. Can this be corrected without pulling the tranny?

Yes it sounds much like the fork came off. It happened to me a couple of times. It can be done without pulling the tranny. You have to jack the car up and crawl underneath and wiggle the fork into place. You should know when its engaged with the pivot. It took me about 30 minutes. Looking at the parts diagram helps to understand where it needs to go.

[GeorgeT]

Check the firewall where the cable passes through, there are known problems with the firewall tearing in that area.

[76was124]

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... lit=Clutch
http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... pivot+ball

Pictures in these threads may be helpful

[topdownstl1978]

No tearing of firewall, but I am having one heck of a time trying to get the fork back on the ball. Any tips?

[topdownstl1978]

I believe i finally got the fork on the pivot however, it does not improve the grab very much. When the bearing touches the clutch fingers there is only about 1/2" of travel before the fork hits the bell housing. No good! I did find a spot on the fork where it appears to have been welded. I don't think the weld has failed but could the fork be bending against the throw out bearing when it engages the clutch over time and I now need a new fork?

[Rambo]

When i put my fork back on, it got in a couple positions were i thought it was on but it really wasn't. If you think its in the right position i guess it would have to be taken apart to see what the problem is. If you had access to a fiber optic camera you could try to get a look in there.

[topdownstl1978]

I pulled the transmission this week and the clutch fork was broken in two places (top and bottom). It looks like either the PO or the shop where I had the tranny rebuilt welded the fork in both areas. Anyway, I have a new fork installed and bolting everything back up.

While bolting things back together the electrical plug on the reverse switch fell out. Is there a way to fix this or do I have to replace?