Broken Clutch Cable

Spanky · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2002, 01:02 PM

Hi All,

Last week at a four-way stop, I engaged the clutch and felt a short grinding underfoot and then a pop as the clutch pedal went to the floor. Never mind the embarrassment, just minutes earlier I was fully cranked and doing turns at 80+.

Seems that when the eyelet end of the cable was attached to the clutch pedal the wrong sized bolt was used and so firmly wrenched that the eyelet was prevented from pivoting. This caused the eyelet to actually bend the cable at the point where the cable entered the swedge on the eyelet. So in about 1500 miles of shifting.... POP.

It's all back together now and properly at that, but I'm pushing a Centerforce dual-friction clutch with the Ford cable....
1979 Mustang 302 cable D9ZZ-7K553-B or Napa # 615-1008.

Is this cable stong enough for this use ???

Thank you for your input..

Hank, aka Spanky.

Double Venom · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2002, 01:16 PM

Spanky,
It shouldn't be a problem. When we run into the "snapped" cables it is usually a misalignment problem.

Make absolutely sure it is properly aligned coming through the firewall to the pedal. If not, and it drags on the firewall at all, it will surely break again!

DV

Spanky · #3 (**permalink**) 08-16-2002, 01:25 PM

DV,

Thank you for a quick responce.... Ill check the alignment again.

Spanky.

Jack21 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-16-2002, 04:39 PM

Engineering upgrade to the CR/MII clutch cable setup. Used aftermarket BBK late ('79 - up) Mustang clutch quadrant, cable, and firewall adjuster. The cable is heavier, teflon lined, and longer so it doesn't get near a header and burn. The quadrant was grafted to the upper portion of the CR clutch pedal. Works like a Natilus machine arm, and keeps the cable at a constant radius. The nylon end of the cable fits into the firewall adapter. Used an aluminum standoff with the same mounting dimensions as the plastic MII piece, but won't break, or flex the firewall. Clutch end adjusts, and then sets in place with a jamb nut. Adjustments are then made from the firewall adjuster as the clutch wears.

Have shots if interested.

Double Venom · #5 (**permalink**) 08-16-2002, 06:43 PM

Jack,
I know the system, never cared for it much so didn't mess with it. But, your points are valid with the exception of "header clearance". We don't have no stinkin' header clearance problem!

I do use a longer tube than CR's uses, maybe that's what gets it away from the header more.

Would like to see your pics though!
DV

Spanky · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2002, 04:44 PM

Jack21,

Thanks for your resonse.... I just checked the clearance b/t clutch cable and headers and it is more than ample... The cable I used was the Napa #615-1008 and it is quite long, 54in. if memory serves...
I am curious about the setup you described, if it produces a mechanical advantage to the clutch pedal.

Yes, like DV I would like to see the pictures.

Thanks, Spanky.

Jack21 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2002, 10:48 AM

Spanky,

Send e-mail and I'll send shots. jwalsh21@ix.netcom.com

Think the BBK, or any of the variety of late Mustang aftermarket clutch quadrant/cable setups with firewall adjuster makes a smoother, and more durable setup than the MII. Using Centerforce clutch on 351W. Was concerned with pedal effort. Can depress clutch with my hand. Don't get Corvette truck clutch leg creeping along in traffic.

There might be a slight amount of mechanical advantage. Quadrant keeps cable at constant radius on clutch pedal. Cable is lined and relatively friction free. Do initial adjustment at clutch fork under car. Then make additional adjustments from firewall. You have to reach behind the power booster to get to it, but it turns easily. Cable slips over quadrant and engages a tang in the quadrant.

Spanky · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 10:07 AM

Jack21,

You've got mail.

Spanky.