Clutch Problem

[my33ply]

I have a problem with my clutch linkage on a 48 P15. It started when I tried to take some of the free play out of the pedal. I used the turnbuckle to bring the pedal up a little and I thought that all was well. Wrong! The clutch worked okay, but the pedal started hanging up before it returned all the way to the top. A nudge with my toe would bring it back up with the typical Plymouth clunk. After driving it for several months, I wanted to get the pedal to come all the way up on it's own. This is where my trouble started. I tried adding springs and turning adjustments and it just got worse. I even put in new motor mounts thinking that may have cocked the engine enough to cause the problem. I even got to the point where the pedal would only go half way down and wouldn't operate the clutch. 

I think what I need, besides devine intervention, is some help in starting over at the very beginning. If anyone can give me some direction of the sequence of adjustments, I would sure appreciate it. Thanks for your time.

[Plymouthy Adams]

sounds like you disturbed the over center spring or outside of the free play conditions on initial setup that prevents the over center from working properly....suggest you go back to square one and follow the procedure step by step in the repair manual....hard to say anything other than this based on not being there observing...

[Sniper]

Had a somewhat similar issue, other than the fact that I had touched nothing when my pedal started hanging up.  Turns out it need lubed.  Did you try that?  While I was under there is the grease gun my son and I found and lubed every zerk under the car.

[Tom Skinner]

I believe you can you tube or google The Service Book: The In's and Out's of Clutch Operation.

Vol. 2 No.4, Copyright 1948. It clearly shows what you are looking for insomuch as Clutch Linkage (page 11)

Checking Linkage (page 26) and Setting the Over Center Spring (page 27). If you cannot accesss this booklet message me your email address and I will try to scan and email those pages to you.

Tom 

[Sniper]

14 minutes ago, Tom Skinner said:

The Service Book: The In's and Out's of Clutch Operation

 

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Master/016/Page01.htm

[Tom Skinner]

Thanks Sniper U da Man!

[my33ply]

Thanks Fellas for the quick reply. As soon as the weather gets a little more cooperative, I'll get out there and try getting the adjustments correct.

[Sam Buchanan]

Here is the template for making a clutch over-center spring adjustment tool:

 

https://p15-d24.com/files/file/5-overspring_toolpdf/

 

 

[my33ply]

Thanks Sam. That's a big help.

[Sam Buchanan]

The tool doesn't need to be made out of heavy-gauge stock, it is just used as a guide. I used a piece of 0.020" aluminum that was handy. Anything stiff enough to hold the shape should work fine.

[my33ply]

Sam, I have a couple of problems you can probably solve for me. The first one is when I started to make the tool for the over center spring adjustment, I didn't know which way the bend should go. Also the two holes, I figured must go against the frame, but there are no bolts there. The biggest question is when all these other things are figured out, how is the tool used? I must come across like a real genius. Any help and patience are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rich

[Sam Buchanan]

6 hours ago, my33ply said:

Sam, I have a couple of problems you can probably solve for me. The first one is when I started to make the tool for the over center spring adjustment, I didn't know which way the bend should go. Also the two holes, I figured must go against the frame, but there are no bolts there. The biggest question is when all these other things are figured out, how is the tool used? I must come across like a real genius. Any help and patience are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rich

Rich, I’m on the road this week, if someone doesn’t jump in to help you I’ll try to make a photo for you next week.

[my33ply]

Thanks, Sam

[Tom Skinner]

I made one for $17. I got the Steel Stock from Lowe's 1/8" Thick.

Cut it with my neighbors Jig Saw with Metal Blades (I broke a blade and bought a new pack of 5 for $6.

My son took it to work at his Dealership and heated it to bend it with Oxy-acetylene and bent it correctly.

I painted it with Silver Paint and Red Letters. (Shown below is a Camber Wrench C-611 I snagged on ebay for $11 2 years ago.

Great tool to make. Cheap too!

[DonaldSmith]

Now, it's important, when fabricating an over-center spring gauge, to exercise the utmost care and precision. 

Try not to get the Elmer's glue on your fingers. 

 

Foamboard.  it worked.

x

[Tom Skinner]

Great Job Donald!

I bet your Clutch Tool cost less than mine. LOL

[48ply1stcar]

I have never used a clutch tool. 

What do you do with it?

Ill check the repair manual to see if the book says how to use it.

I guess I have been lucky I replaced the clutch several years ago without a issue. When I did a engine swap I had that thump like yours and I was able to adjust the over-center spring and get rid of the thump.

 

Edited April 14, 2021 by 48ply1stcar
added a question

[Sam Buchanan]

2 hours ago, Tom Skinner said:

I made one for $17. I got the Steel Stock from Lowe's 1/8" Thick.

Cut it with my neighbors Jig Saw with Metal Blades (I broke a blade and bought a new pack of 5 for $6.

My son took it to work at his Dealership and heated it to bend it with Oxy-acetylene and bent it correctly.

I painted it with Silver Paint and Red Letters. (Shown below is a Camber Wrench C-611 I snagged on ebay for $11 2 years ago.

Great tool to make. Cheap too!

Wow.....1/8" steel? We're hunting doves with a bazooka.... ?

[Marcel Backs]

I think metal sells for less than foam board or wood these days. 9Canabucks for a 2x4 and we are surrounded by wood everywhere you look here. lol M

Edited April 14, 2021 by Marcel Backs

[my33ply]

Thanks guys for jumping in to my rescue. Pictures are great and I finally figured out how the tool fits to adjust the spring. All I had to do ws look closer at the picture in the manual. Now when the snow quits, I can give it a try.