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100 Clutch Freeplay

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349A

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Hey guys,

When I received my 100 a few years ago, pretty much fresh out of restoration, the clutch was fine. I saw that the freeplay was adjusted to almost zero and adjusted it to 11/16. Now, when moving along and giving it some hard acceleration, it momentarily slips until I let off the gas and let it catch. It engages gears perfectly, I don’t feel any slipping off the line although I don’t generally take off too quickly. Everything is new, linkages are new, clutch is new etc. is 11/16” the correct freeplay adjustment?

Thanks!
 
I've never measured free play on either of my cars--BN2 and BJ8--but have always used "'bout an inch" rule-of-thumb (BJ8 is hydraulic so no adjustment possible). Theoretically, the only point of having any free play at all is to assure the release bearing doesn't rub too much on cover platen or, possibly, to give some adjustment to engagement point. Have you tried re-adjusting the linkage? Your clutch has likely worn some. Worst case, either/both clutch or graphite release bearing* has worn. Shade-tree check for slipping clutch is to apply all brakes when idling then put gearbox in fourth and let out clutch; if engine keeps running clutch has left the building.

* Rumor has it there were some defective release bearings going around a few years ago; owners were only getting a few thousand miles before they self-destructed.
 
Thanks, Bob! This restoration was done by the PO (with a famous lawsuit that followed!) and the workmanship is really top notch. The parts are older, the clutch was done during a restoration prior to the second 5 year long restoration! The car had basically been restored and re-restored and the clutch and other trans parts were changed around 10-15 years ago.
I will give your test a try this weekend and see what happens.
 
I’m now just over 1.5” of freeplay and it’s better. Still slips if I punch the gas. Quite a bit less so since increasing the freeplay. She stalls if I let the clutch out with the brakes on in 4th. Engagement hasn’t suffered with more freeplay. I may try increasing it more. Kinda confused about what’s going on. Clutch has less than 800 miles on it.
 
I’m mostly chatting with myself here but for anyone seeking advice in the future- I adjusted freeplay to 2” at the pedal, which is how it arrived to me, and it’s perfect. No slipping, no drag, perfect. I’m unsure why the 11/16” spec doesn’t work for me but I’m happy all is well.
 
I wouldn't be comfortable with that much freeplay, but if you like it that's fine. I've had a couple of owners' manuals (Mustang GT) admonish me to 'always push the clutch pedal all the way in' but I've never heard the reasoning; presumably, if the release bearing isn't completely extended there may some grinding of gears, even if you can't hear it.
 
It’s not a matter of liking the freeplay, it’s what is required to stop it from slipping. I’m not sure why it needs so much, that’s my real question. However, it seems to be driving well without slip, without grinding or dragging.
 
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