Clutch bite

[The Red Baron]

Ever since I bought my Tuscan earlier this year I've struggled with smooth gear changes. Unlike my Griff (same gear box) I find I have to bury the clutch pedal into the floor on the Tuscan to be able to make swift, smooth gear changes.

I've found the clutch starts biting the millimetre the clutch pedal is off the floor. On the Griff the bite point is about a quarter into the pedal travel.

Is this normal? If not, does anyone know what it means and how to adjust/fix the issue? A worn clutch is normally indicated by a very late bite point, near the top of pedal travel, not right at the start.

I thought I'd get some advice before I start spending money.

[BritishTvr450]

Bleed the clutch after first checking fluid level. If it’s low look for leakages in the system.
Could just be air getting in via the bleed screw so make sure it’s nipped up tight after bleeding.

[Gladers01]

BritishTvr450 said:

Bleed the clutch after first checking fluid level. If it’s low look for leakages in the system.
Could just be air getting in via the bleed screw so make sure it’s nipped up tight after bleeding.

Also check the bolt and locknut that limits the clutch pedal travel on the pedal box, this may need adjusting. The braided hose to bleed the clutch is underneath the air filter box but if you're lucky and fluid has been leaking top up the reservoir and pump the pedal about 20 times and it will usually come back to life.

[Basil Brush]

The clutch should be set up so it only just disengages at full pedal travel otherwise you can over-stress the diaphram fingers, leading to failure. You can adjust the height of the pedal at full travel with the stop bolt behind the pedal and the pushrods in the pedal box mechanism.

[stlol]

The Tuscan clutch pedal (and brake) has several pivot points to choose from where the pedal attaches to the rod, three each side from memory, you can alter these fulcrum points to get a softer pedal as the default is often a bit stiff.

[The Red Baron]

Thanks for all the advice. I had a look for leaks. Couldn't find any.

Decided that was the limit of my technical expertise, so have taken it to an expert in near Coventry, who will sort it, along with a couple of other minor issues, as well as give it a service.

I was tempted to explore said expert's 4.7 litre upgrade package. Maybe another time!!