Clutch job for weekend mechanic

[clarkedj]

Guys,

Finally decided to do the clutch job with my son. Have the jacked up and was ready to drop the tranny and I noticed something that I had read on the site. It seems that the clutch is missing the return spring on the tranny. The question I have is if I don't have a spring does that mean that the clutch pad and plate wore out that much faster? or by attaching the spring I may not have to drop the tranny and do the job at all? The clutch was not slipping it was just diffacult to get into gear and the gears were grinding. Like the clutch was not engaged.

Before I drop the tranny I need a little guidance. I looked online and can not find a spring any suggeations would also be helpful.

Thanks

Ed Clark

[wachuko]

Not having a spring does contribute to premature wear on the clutch since the pedal is not coming up completely. But I would think that the throwout bearing would be the first to go...

The external spring keeps the throwout bearing away from the clutch fingers. Without it, the throwout bearing could constantly be rubbing against the clutch fingers -- not a good thing.

The clutch pedal spring under the steering column has 2 functions. For about 1/2 of the pedal stroke, it acts like a return spring to bring the pedal back up. However when you push it a little further, the geometry is such that it helps push the clutch pedal to the floor. You should be able to get one from one of the Fiat parts vendors that actually work on Fiats, like Mark Allison, since they usually have some parts around from junked cars. There are 2 pieces that you will need: the spring and the s-shaped hook that it is attached to.

Alvon

[clarkedj]

Thanks for the information guys. The pedalspring is in good shape. Glad you pointed out the "S" hook. I thought the spring on the tranny just attached directly. Guess I will continue with the clutch job as the missing spring just added to the wear of the clutch.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[clarkedj]

I have another question. I have the car jacked up front and back. The car is about 14 inches off the garage floor. It seems to me that the this may not be enough room to slide the tranny out from under the car with the bellhousing attached. What is the recommedned height for the car to be off the floor and still get the tranny out from under?

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[So Cal Mark]

that's not much room to work with, I like to get them as high as possible

[clarkedj]

Mark,

Thanks for the reply. I jacked it about another 4 inches.

Guys,

Any recommendations on loosening the bellhousing bolt on the top passenger side. I have shot it with WD40. I am using a 19mm socket attached to a swivel joint attached to a 6 inch extension and that is attached to a 12 inch socket wrench with a swivel top. Not sure I am getting enough leverage. The combination seemed to work fine on the driver side. I assume the bolt comes off counter clockwise just like the driver side. I have removed the coolant bottle and was thinking of using a 19mm straight wrench but in that space I won't get much leverage. Any thoughts.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[wachuko]

Mark,

Thanks for the reply. I jacked it about another 4 inches.

Guys,

Any recommendations on loosening the bellhousing bolt on the top passenger side. I have shot it with WD40. I am using a 19mm socket attached to a swivel joint attached to a 6 inch extension and that is attached to a 12 inch socket wrench with a swivel top. Not sure I am getting enough leverage. The combination seemed to work fine on the driver side. I assume the bolt comes off counter clockwise just like the driver side. I have removed the coolant bottle and was thinking of using a 19mm straight wrench but in that space I won't get much leverage. Any thoughts.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

Ed,

That is similar to what I did... and, as everyone had suggested, these were the tools I used... but I used two 10" extensions and only one swivel joint... to try to keep it as straight as possible when applying the torque.

[ventura ace]

Mark,
Any recommendations on loosening the bellhousing bolt on the top passenger side. I have shot it with WD40. I am using a 19mm socket attached to a swivel joint attached to a 6 inch extension and that is attached to a 12 inch socket wrench with a swivel top. Not sure I am getting enough leverage. The combination seemed to work fine on the driver side. I assume the bolt comes off counter clockwise just like the driver side. I have removed the coolant bottle and was thinking of using a 19mm straight wrench but in that space I won't get much leverage. Any thoughts.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

I'm able to put a regular boxed end wrench on mine from the top, on the passenger side (definitely no room on the driver side for this). That's what I do to give it that last bit of torque and untorque, then if it doesn't spin out easily by hand, I get to it with the u-joint plus socket and extensions from below to back it out the rest of the way.

Alvon

[clarkedj]

Guys,

Thanks for the input. My approach I think is wrong. I have been dropping the socket extension down the side of the tranny and trying to apply pressure. But Jaime if I am looking at your shots and what Alvon said you guys ran the extensions down the length of the tranny until you could get enough room to use the rachet handle. I have been trying to get the handle even with my 18" swivel head to drop by the front wheel. I think if I go back further with a straight extension I my get a better position on it. I will give it a try in the morning.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[So Cal Mark]

yes, use a long extension and attack it from below. As Alvon wrote, on some models there is enough room to use an open end wrench from the top to break it loose

[clarkedj]

Guys,

Got it loose. Worked like a champ from below with the extensions. Looking at the shifter I was trying to pull off the extension so the only thing I would have to drop is the shifter in the shift box. I have to replace the shift box components anyway. Figured I would do that with the tranny down. In reading the book it says to just pull the shift knoe and the extension will come off. Some sort of snap ring mechanism. Is this true? My concern is the clearance needed to drop the tranny may not be enough with the extension in place. Another question did you guys have to drop the exhaust? Looks like part of the bellhousing may interfere with the exhaust where the exhaust drops from the manifold.

As always Thanks for the help.

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[wachuko]

Guys,

Got it loose. Worked like a champ from below with the extensions. Looking at the shifter I was trying to pull off the extension so the only thing I would have to drop is the shifter in the shift box. I have to replace the shift box components anyway. Figured I would do that with the tranny down. In reading the book it says to just pull the shift knoe and the extension will come off. Some sort of snap ring mechanism. Is this true? My concern is the clearance needed to drop the tranny may not be enough with the extension in place. Another question did you guys have to drop the exhaust? Looks like part of the bellhousing may interfere with the exhaust where the exhaust drops from the manifold.

As always Thanks for the help.

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

Let me know if the photos help:








And in case you ask, real men don't need hand lotion...

[mdrburchette]

Like Jaime's picture indicates, that chrome shifter doesn't just pop off. In fact, it's a pretty hateful little thing to take apart. Two small screwdrivers inserted inside the chrome shifter to push the plastic tabs in while yanking on it is the way I get it off.

[clarkedj]

Jaime and Md,

Thanks for the advice and pictures. I decided to remove the whole shifter since I have to put new cups and springs on it anyway. Interesting when I took out the shifter and placed it in my vice and tried "pulling or jerking it off " according to the book no go. I am not going to mess with it I don't want to break the plastic clips and have somethng else to replace. Thanks for the advice though.

Have you guys looked in the shifter mechanism. I seem to have a lot of grease. I mean thick bearing grease. Just wondering if anyone else has the same and whether it is necessary to apply grease to the new parts. Wouldn't seem to hurt but I would think a light coat would do it.

Thanks

Ed Clark
404-234-7366

[ventura ace]

At the risk of contradicting Denise, I suggest that the extension can be removed quite easily when you get the feel of t'he trick'. Use 2 small screwdrivers, allen wrenches, or anything that is sturdy and can fit in between the plastic fingers of the plastic retainer shown in Jaime's pictures. Using the end of the chrome extension as a fulcrum, insert the 2 tools 180 degrees apart and pry the plastic retainer to push it away from the end of the extension. It will pop right out. No amount of pulling or jerking is going to get it, but rather the well placed prying action. Note where all the pieces are during disassembly, because you'll need to load them all inside the extension in the proper order when re-assembling.

When reassembling the extension slide the loaded assembly over the gear shifter, and give it a sharp bonk to drive it home. If it doesn't stay, then you didn't bonk it hard enough.

Alvon