<VV> From clutch to worse.. (1964 Sydper Turbo)

[Bill Meglen]

My 1963 Spyder Turbo clutch disk disintegrated...replaced completely   
with 1964 new clutch assembly flywheel etc. and pilot shaft bushing  
(psb). Did NOT change clutch shaft pivot bolt. Pilot shaft fit very  
snug. Finally after some list speculation (the usual suspects?). I  
determined that perhaps the pilot shaft bushing was too tight  
producing the equivalent of a "direct drive" transmission. Symptoms:  
clutch acted like it was not fully disengaging, and no adjustment  
corrected it. In installing the pilot shaft bushing I inserted it  
flush with crank surface.  Noted on another engine that its pilot  
shaft bushing was embedded about 3/32" beyond flush. Speculated about  
need to change pivot bolt length (later bolt) but decided I was  
getting sufficient free travel. Vendor advise was that it was not  
uncommon with a tight bushing and  "driving" it would free it up.   
Became concerned when 20 miles or so accomplished nothing. Had heard  
stories of similar cases {non-corsair)  leading to seized bushing/ 
shaft so decided it had to come out again. Did so and evidence showed  
that psb had likely spun in crank hole. Careful measurement of all  
parameters made me confident that I did not have a bent or incorrect  
pilot shaft etc. replaced with new bushing, lapped it lightly to  
insure clearance, drove  psb further in and reassembled. My diagnosis  
is that the tight pilot shaft bushing, and the pilot shaft shoulder  
bearing tightly on the bushing created a semi efficient "direct  
drive" mechanical connection.  Never had experienced anything like  
this in previous clutch replacements. Did not even conceive of such a  
problem.

Bill

1963 Corvair Spyder Convertible
1966 Corsa Turbo Convertible (project)
1962 Corvair FC Rampside Pickup (2)

----- Original Message ----- From: "Kerry and jan B"  
<deaconone at teleweb.net>

>> Second issue is that I can't seem to  get the clutch adjusted  
>> right. It seems to take hold too close to the floor, and at times  
>> seems to make shifting hard, however there is almost NO play in  
>> the clutch pedal. What am I doing wrong?