Stiff Clutch

[JonnyT]

I have completed the clutch system now and filled it with oil the other day. Once I had blead the air out I tried it. It is very stiff - I can just about depress it using all my force, it is a little easier if I hold onto the bulkhead.

I am using braided hose with banjo connectors - I think -3.

I have checked that there are no kinks in the pipes although I have not checked internally to make sure that there is no blockage.

I'm not sure what the slave is but I know that it is the 'standard' SVA compliant one that Real Steel supply. The master is marked 'Girling .75' which I assume is the 3/4" bore.

All ideas very welcome.

Cheers guys,

Jon

BTW I have seen that potentially the force is increased because the slave is at an angle - there is however little or no room to adjust this angle because of the chassis.

[wilf]

Jon - what engine,gearbox, and clutch do you have?

[JonnyT]

Sorry - missed the obvious information.

Ford 351W with a T56 box. The clutch is a McLeod Street Twin, so as far as I understand these things (which is not greatly!) should mean that the clutch should be lighter generally.

Thanks

[plod]

Jon, it wont help but I couldn't believe how stiff my clutch was. Certainly not as stiff as yours sounds but a substantial difference between that and a normal car mate.

[mikey]

Originally Posted by JonnyT

Sorry - missed the obvious information.

Ford 351W with a T56 box. The clutch is a McLeod Street Twin, so as far as I understand these things (which is not greatly!) should mean that the clutch should be lighter generally.

Thanks

Join the club.

The street twin increases pedal effort massively. The way out is weight lifting or a mechanical clutch. You actually get used to it reasonably quickly. Two thing to watch. Put it in neutral when stationary. If you race somebody at the limit, beware, the wobbly leg sindrome is excenuated when you have to stop and ride the cluth, particularly when setting off again.

If it becomes too much for you you may want to consider changing to a Centreforce clutch. In reality you shouldn't have needed to go to a street twin with a 351 Windsor if the primary use is on the street - who advised you?

Mike

[JonnyT]

I should have added that the 351W has been stroked to 393 cu in, which is why it was said that the street twin would be an advantage.

[mikey]

Originally Posted by JonnyT

I should have added that the 351W has been stroked to 393 cu in, which is why it was said that the street twin would be an advantage.

It is a great unit - I have on in the 415. I will live with it for 12 months and then decide wheter I change to a Centreforce as it will be more than up to it for the road I have been advised. Unfortunately thats the problem, belts and braces creates the stiff clutch and unfortunately I dont think a smaller master cylinder will give you the required throw.
Mike

[JonnyT]

Given the simple principle of hydraulics and the massive power achievable, is it not possible to change the size and or stroke of the master or slave to get to the correct pressure?

[JonnyT]

sorry to bombard the post - one suggestion we have had is a remote servo - apparently used in the BMW 3 series

[mikey]

That sounds interesting? One thing to watch is tthe available vacuum if running a cam with large duration (ie effect on power brakes). I would be interested in the servo idea if anybody has any more info
Mike