T5 Clutch Fork is stuck

[jakester888]

Connecting the clutch cable for the first time to a new install (engine & t5 mounted on roadster frame), I noted the clutch fork appears to be stuck (will not disengage the clutch plate).

I am thinking I may have improperly installed or improperly aligned the throw-out bearing. Anyway, I need to take a look behind the bell housing.

Questions:
1) What is the best way to do this? Remove engine tranny completely or keep the engine in place, jack up the car and remove the T5 & bell-housing from underneath?
2) Any ideas on a stuck clutch fork? Agree with me on the throw-out bearing theory?'

31887

[DaleG]

Been there (still am); in my opinion, it's easiest to just pull it all. Could be a pivot ball adjustment issue. Look through this: http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/432361-troubleshooting-clutch-help-please.html

[seagull81]

Are you saying with the cable connected and pushing the clutch pedal in all the way the fork doesn't move? Maybe a little more info. before you pull the engine.

[stroked 6t5]

Hello,
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Regards,
Andy


http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=inspection+camera

[jakester888]

Are you saying with the cable connected and pushing the clutch pedal in all the way the fork doesn't move? Maybe a little more info. before you pull the engine.

I'm saying that before the clutch cable is even connected, the play at the fork is "0". It's stuck and will not budge at all (as I try to move it by hand) so connecting the cable will not be any better.

[Dan Babb]

It's really hard to move the clutch fork without the cable attached. I can't move mine at all, but when you have the leverage generated by the clutch pedal, it moves freely and easily.

[michael everson]

Attach the cable and give the pedal a press. There is no way you are going to move it by hand.
Mike

[edwardb]

I'm saying that before the clutch cable is even connected, the play at the fork is "0". It's stuck and will not budge at all (as I try to move it by hand) so connecting the cable will not be any better.

The clutch arm should be roughly in the center of the bell housing opening when the throw-out bearing touches the pressure plate. The others are correct. You won't be able to manually push it any further against the springs in the pressure plate. So if that is what you're describing, then yes, hook up the cable and see if the clutch pedal will work. But you should be able to move the clutch arm back toward the rear of the bell housing opening meaning the throw-out bearing is moving away from the pressure plate. If that won't move then something isn't assembled right and it needs to come apart.

[Bob Cowan]

I'm saying that before the clutch cable is even connected, the play at the fork is "0". It's stuck and will not budge at all (as I try to move it by hand) so connecting the cable will not be any better.

That is not supposed to be that way. You should have some free play in the clutch arm when the cable is not connected. I would not connect the cable and try to force it. Most likely, the throw out bearing was not mounted to the arm correctly.

BTW, the diagram you have in post #1 is not correct. That diagram is for the old Mustangs without a clutch cable.

[edwardb]

Just remembered I had these pictures of a throw-out bearing on the clutch arm. Did it look like this when you installed it? You should be able to peak in through the bell housing opening and see if it's oriented properly.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Misc%20Pics/T536.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Misc%20Pics/T536.jpg.html)

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Misc%20Pics/T535.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Misc%20Pics/T535.jpg.html)

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Misc%20Pics/T534.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Misc%20Pics/T534.jpg.html)

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Misc%20Pics/mufp_0702_17_zfactory_five_roadster_engine_and_tra nmissionclutch_fork.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Misc%20Pics/mufp_0702_17_zfactory_five_roadster_engine_and_tra nmissionclutch_fork.jpg.html)

[jakester888]

Attach the cable and give the pedal a press. There is no way you are going to move it by hand.
Mike

It works. You guys rock, I'm a dumb a$$.

Hooked the cable up and clutch works fine.

[DaleG]

It works. You guys rock, I'm a dumb a$$.

Hooked the cable up and clutch works fine.

You are not the only one:rolleyes: Now, with the pedal depressed, make sure the clutch disc separates from the flywheel; you should have some openings in the bellhousing that will allow you to either see the separation or allow you to confirm by seeing if some thin feeler gauge material will slip in between the two.