[Zoranan]

Alright guys, I'm having a hell of a time with my car lately. Engine still shakes at idle and it got REALLY bad at one point today. But now my clutch is acting strange.

I got in the car tonight, pushed the clutch in, and I thought it felt a little spongy. It presses down normally but it doesn't feel like it takes much to hold it down. Every time I shifted gears it got worse and I started to notice that is seemed like the pedal was not coming up with my foot. Within a mile of driving I was able to pull my foot off the clutch, and I had to wait a few seconds before it would pull itself back up all the way. I basically had to hold the engine at 1000 rpms and just wait for the clutch to do its thing in order to get her moving and get home.

I'm seriously hoping its the clutch cable and not something in the transmission but would it just all of a sudden become stiff? I daily drive this car...

 

[lefty310]

Doesn't sound like the transmission. It is most likely the clutch stretched out or coming apart inside somewhere causing it to seize up. If you have the stock quadrant maybe it just needs to be readjusted. Simply pull up on the pedal and you'll hear it click. It should now be readjusted. It sounds like the cable though.. sounds very similar to the last time my cable went out. I ended up shifting with no clutch for about 20 miles till I got home. Took a small toll on the synchros.

If it is the cable I highly HIGHLY reccomend the maximum motorsports clutch cable. Take it from a guy who has been through several aftermarket cables the MM cable is the best. You will need to upgrade to a firewall adjuster and maybe an aftermarket quadrant if you haven't already but it is well worth it. The MM cable is pricy but trust me it's worth it. It's design helps push back up on the pedal and release better.

 

[Zoranan]

Its definitely not a readjustment issue, I did try that, but the pedal just doesn't want to move freely. I got under the dash and pushed the clutch with my hand. When I let go the pedal moved freely but the cable went completely slack. I watched the cable slowly retract until it was tight against the quadrant. took over 2 seconds to do so.

I'm going to take a look under the car today and see how the cable acts on the transmission side. Then possibly remove it and see if it is stiff. Unfortunately this is my Daily Driver, so I'll be heading to auto zone... I do plan on upgrading the quadrant and putting in a firewall adjuster but I need the car and can't wait for shipping. The MM cable does seem awesome, and I probably will do that at a later date (after I change out my clutch)

I took a quick look under there last night and noticed there is no cover over where the clutch cable connects to the clutch fork on the transmission... I want to put a new cover on there, but IDK what to call it or where to find one besides maybe a junk yard?

 

[Zoranan]

Took the cable out and it was completely locked up. Replaced it with a new cable from Autozone and its never felt so light. I wish I had the time to do a bit of "upgrading" but I need the car.

Also does anyone know where I could find the cover that goes over the clutch fork and exposed cable?

 

[6stang02]

Dust cover? Good luck on findin that. Ford sells it I believe, cause I went to ford and its $70. Junk yards maybe. Who knows. It will be a hard peice to come by thats for sure

 

[Zoranan]

Dust cover? Good luck on findin that. Ford sells it I believe, cause I went to ford and its $70. Junk yards maybe. Who knows. It will be a hard peice to come by thats for sure

Yeah, I might just make one... its just like some really bendable heat shield material