clutch cable......need help

I just replaced my clutch cable and something isn't right! After putting the new cable on, I held the clutch pedal with approx 1/2 inch of freeplay as suggested and tightened the wingnut connecting everything together. After taking it for a roadtest I found that I only need to depress the clutch pedal approx 1-2 inches to disengage the engine and change gears. The pedal feels firm throughout it's range of motion. I have tried adjusting it several times but have been unsuccessful. Is there something else I need to do with the adjustment or could it be a greater problem...... possibly the clutch itself? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Tim.

Hi,
I suggest checking the free play at the cross shaft arm on the bellhousing of the transaxle. (the arm that has cable with the wing nut adjuster passing through it).
If you really have free play here, and the clutch doesn't slip, when you shift or really get on it, then, short of replacing the clutch, that's pretty much how it's going to be.
You mentioned that you replaced the cable. Is the clutch action the same as it was before you replaced it?
You might also want to check the boden tube. Thats the flexible clutch cable tube that goes between the pan and the transmission, it should have quite a bit of bow (or sag)in it. If its straight, then adjust it with the additon of washers on the tranny end of the boden tube. If it stays straight after trying to adjust it (assuming that it was straight before) then you've got problems.
The problem in that case is usually the clutch tube in the pan has broken loose and is moving forward. In that case you need to get the tube re anchored to the pan. Usually a trip to the weld shop and someone that knows what they're doing is the next step.
Back to your description and concern. It doesn't sound to me as though you have a problem. Each clutch assy seems to be a little different. Your setup just tends to release near the top of it's travel.

Greg B

Thx for your reply Greg. I am going to check the things you have mentioned. Maybe this "problem" isnt such a problem and I am just nit-picking..........thx again. Tim.

I know it sounds like a stupid question but when you say you held
the pedal 1/2" and adjusted the cable. Did you actually preload
the cable too far? Maybe you are already riding the throw out
bearing? Good luck, Bruce

If you only have to depress the clutch pedal an inch or two to disengage the engine then it definately sounds like you got the cluch too tight. Try backing the wingnut off a bit. You shoud have one inch of free play before the clutch cable and arm actually BEGIN to disengate the throw out bearing/clutch. The clutch should be fully disengaged before the pedal is fully depressed.