Procedure for adjusting the clutch

[gridgway]

Is the clutch adjustable at all? My bite point is right at the bottom of the pedal travel so it feels like the clutch is not being properly disengaged enough.

The pedal moves quite a lot, maybe 1.5 inches before it takes up the strain and you can see there is a lot of play in the pedal bushing.

The cable where it goes into the release arm looks adjustable, but it looks to be about on its tightest.

Cheers
Graham

[Mr Pharmacist]

From what you say it sounds like the cable might be stretched. the adjustment is all at the transmission end on the release arm.

Replacements aren't very expensive and are easy to fit.

[gridgway]

How does one adjust it? The Haynes manual is not very clear on the matter.
Graham

[Mr Pharmacist]

if its still original there's an M7 locking nut on the threaded steel rod on the end of the cable. Often the locking nut has been replaced by 2 normal nuts tightened together.

Turning the nut adjusts the pedal travel.

There's further info here that may help : http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=188218

[jackstowers]

Molegrips on the crimped part of the cable and tighten the nut. If you've run out of thread due to stretching you could add some washers to gain a little while you wait to for a new one

[Mr Pharmacist]

the link above describes putting a tube over the threaded part to allow for more adjustment. I think on my first clutch cable i extended the thread with a die. I did replace it eventually though

[914 KEV]

The 914-4 clutch cable is a bit longer than it should be due to the original plastic cable clevis retainer being longer than the now used slimmer metal cable retainer.

It is not unusual for the adjusting lock nut to be on the maximum adjustment and often a spacer is fitted under the nut so you have more adjustment which was lost when the metal retainer replaced the plastic one that often broke.

Also take a look at where the clutch cable goes through the firewall. The tube the outer sleeve attaches to can be pulled inwards. Tell tail signs of this happening is a split in the firewall panel.

[gridgway]

Thanks Kevin. I still feel the need to understand the clutch adjustment more though. I can understand getting rid of the slack in the cable and even putting some pre load into the clutch lever. But you can't go further than that can you?

Graham

[gridgway]

Right I've read some more on pelican and understand more now. It looks like the spring in the clutch pedal assembly provides the pre load. So provided one is adjusting the cable within the 'range'of the clutch pedal you are ok. If you pull the pedal to the top of its travel and keep adjusting you will put too much load on the clutch arm.

Btw, my pedal cluster has mahoosive play in the clutch pedal. Could do with a rebuild. Sounds like a winter job. Probably alongside some form of front brake upgrade!

Graham