Heavy clutch ?

[MaryonMick]

Hi all .   

 why does my clutch feel a lot stiffer than others I've tried ?

 

                

[thescrapman]

What car?

generally could be a different clutch manufacturer, or mismatched parts, or pressure plate worn out, assuming you are comparing like for like cars.

If you have a TR and are comparing it to a Spitfire, then yes, a TR is a hairy-chested sports car and has to have a proper heavy mans clutch. 🙂

[MaryonMick]

Sorry my newby mistake , I have a 12/50 Herald with a 1300 engine fitted , thanks for any info , Mick

[glang]

ah yes that is relevant because your car could have originally come with a coil clutch but now will almost certainly have a diaphragm type. Then depending on which other components were changed at the same time you could have the wrong the clutch slave cylinder or thrust bearing, both of which have the potential to affect clutch operation....

Rimmerbros website says the change in clutch design occurred at 12/50 model number GD76473E so cars after this had the same clutch as a 1300.

The type of slave cylinder can be identified externally to the gearbox but the thrust would need gearbox removal☹️ 

[JumpingFrog]

Shouldn't be heavy, always found my Herald very light, especially after driving modern super minis with cable clutches.

My best guess, would be the swivel pins on the release fork are seized up - look at part 20, in the diagram below. They are retained in the fork casting by a small roll-pin (21), but should be able to turn 5 or 10 degrees in either direction (in turn allowing the release bearing to change orientation a little). However, I've often seen them seized in the casting. Unfortunately, it'd be impossible to rectify this issue without removing the gearbox. Of course you should also check all the parts are correct as glang mentions.

There are other common issues in the clutch system, for example to top of the pedal, where it attaches to the master cylinder, wears out quickly (depending on driving style), but eventually becomes oval and elongated. And the pin that holds the release fork (26) is famous for dropping out, there are replacements with a mushroom head to prevent this.

Edited September 8, 2023 by JumpingFrog