Clutch problem
 

Hi there everyone,

1970 Amazon with cable clutch. About an hour ago, when I pushed the clutch pedal all the way down, there was a strange extra jolty movement. Ever since then it’s been much more difficult to select first and reverse although they select with a bit of force.

I’m on holiday in France and am wondering if I should get it looked at. Which bit of the clutch is this likely to be do you think? If you think I can last for a week then I’ll get it done when back in the UK and hopefully avoid language problems.

Thanks for any advice.

Tom

Tom;

Symptoms sound like the amount of Clutch Fork actuation has (suddenly) decreased (and you're not completely disengaging clutch, which would explain difficult shifting)...this can be caused by a stretched Clutch Cable, (some strands break, and nominal length increases, which might occur suddenly, and result in your symptoms...this can be adjusted out if your lucky, and might last until you get home) or the dreaded fractured Clutch Fork (where a sudden failure and symptoms are also typical...sorry to be the bearer of bad news)...perhaps it can be adjusted, but difficulty shifting typically returns and gets worse as CF fracture opens further and CF action gets less because of it...
Certainly have it looked at, but short of having a replacement cable on-hand if the former, adjustment is about the only thing which can be done (replacements may be easily available...it's worth asking...installation is relatively simple, and can be done at the side of the road in a pinch...not so much fun on holiday, I understand!)...if the later (this might be visible, see: https://www.sw-em.com/Clutch_-_cable_actuated_Notes.htm , shift carefully, matching revs...if reverse gear is absolutely necessary, stop engine, shift into reverse, restart...better yet, don't park such that you need reverse...driving without a functioning Clutch tests a driver's metal (and vintage Volvo owner's dedication!).

Good Luck and Good Travels

Thanks very much Ron for the detailed reply. I will endeavour to get a cable (always useful as a spare) and to get the clutch looked at. I have breakdown cover in any case, but oh the shame...!

Tom;

Even in the best maintained car, a CC can fail suddenly and without warning...your job now is to get through your trip, and make it home, possibly becoming an expert in the process on clutchless shifting...I see no reason to hang your head shame!

Cheers

"Double de-clutching"is fun. You won't need to touch the clutch pedal if you get it right.

Like Ron suggested, clutchless shifting maybe be your best bet to prolong the life of a failing component (whether it's the cable or release lever) and with a bit of practice, is just as smooth as shifting with the clutch. From the sound of things, you've got plenty of time to practice!

Many moons ago, i had a Chevette (remember them?) and they had a common fault. The release arm was held onto the ball stud by a piece of sprung metal which had a habit of breaking, resulting in the release arm not being secured on the ball stud so no clutch available! I drove that for weeks using clutchless shifting, first start in the morning in neutral, switch off and into 1st, start when i needed to move. Never did fix it, i was missing two vital things - a replacement release arm and the time to fit it!

Either way, good luck, i suspect Ron is right and it's the release arm.

How do you double-declutch if you have no clutch? Playing agent provocateur here..................


Tom. If you are touring in France you have a problem. Carefully check the ends of the cable where they attach to the pedal and clutch arm, there might be an easy fix. If you are in a fixed place like a Gite you may be able to get a cable sent to you by express post.

I understand clutchless shifting can be hard on the synchros; so only to be used when absolutely necessary.

It can be but if you get the revs matched right, it's less hard on them. Given the OP is somewhere in France and from his first post, i'm not sure even he knows where he is, i think it would be necessary.

Hopefully it's just a cable and he can get it sorted! :thumbs_up:

Hi all,

Derek; spot on, am in a gite. So a combination of Brookhouse Simon & Co’s excellent service, a reliable courier, a French garage that was open in July and willing to help (not to be assumed by a long chalk), and a hire car, and all was well three days later. There was about half the cable left, but I wasn’t going to risk it, or my marriage 😊, by waiting till I got back. Repair cost: €70, which I thought quite fair, although he didn’t have to drop the box.

Moral: carry a spare cable.

Salut from Calvados