Morris Minor Owners Club

Sorry if this is obvious to everyone.

I have just replaced the clutch adjusting rod because the old one was showing signs of wear. I have tightened up the nuts against the clutch selector to same level as old rod but now the clutch pedal is almost vertical and the little square plate that sits round the pedal is about an inch or two beyond where the floor will be. Are you following this?

I tried re-setting it so that pedal was in a more natural position in relation to the floor but there is now near no resistance at the pedal.

Should I be adjusting something else too or does this point to a worn out clutch? NB the car hasn't been on the road for almost 20 years so I have no idea what normal should be!

One more thing please - I need to replace the little chassis tag that holds the brake return spring (missing on my car because of chassis leg repair). I thought I might weld a small nut but where exactly? Could someone perhaps give me an indication of how far past the pedal shaft it should be?

Many thanks

Did you refit the new rod EXACTLY same as the old one came off??

Yes I marked the old one with tape to be sure I got it right

And the mechanism hasn't 'flipped over' when you weren't looking...?

Pretty sure it didn't on account of everything having been a bit seized up but I will check again

Have you fitted a clutch return spring? If it's all a bit seized then that could contribute to the problem. Forget what it used to be, adjust for what you have now. Just measure the free play at the top of the pedal. Either 3/4 inch for 948 or 1.25 inch for 1098.

Is the new rod exactly the same dimensions - including thread length - as the old one ?

I have tightened up the nuts against the clutch selector to same level as old rod but now the clutch pedal is almost vertical and the little square plate that sits round the pedal is about an inch or two beyond where the floor will be.

I think the clue's in the line above. If the floor isn't in, then the pedal WILL come up high - it's the floor and the 'little square plate' that stop it from coming right up normally. Don't mess around adjusting it until the floor's in, as you won't be able to determine the free play, because the pedal position is totally wrong.

Yes indeed - but I was assuming it has only become like this since the new rod has been fitted.

I think the clue's in the line above. If the floor isn't in, then the pedal WILL come up high - it's the floor and the 'little square plate' that stop it from coming right up normally. Don't mess around adjusting it until the floor's in, as you won't be able to determine the free play, because the pedal position is totally wrong.[/quote]


Aha! Ok I will fit the floor and try again.