High Clutch release solution?

[redhotv8]

I am a relatively new V8 owner and am wondering if anybody has adjusted the clutch to obtain a lower release height. I have read that this is typical on the V8, and as mine only has 3K on it I beleive that it was always high from the factory. I find it difficult to get used to at this release height. Is there a simple adjustment that can be made?

Gary M.
2001 V8

[kmaier]

There are but two adjustments for the clutch on the V8. One is difficult to get to, the other is worse. First is the pushrod adjuster which attaches the pedal to the master slave pushrod. The second is the pedal downstop on the rear of the clutch pedal (just above the pedal pad).

To adjust the clutch, use a rule and meaure from bulkhead (compressed carpet) to the front of the pedal pad (bottom edge). This distance should be 170-175mm. Adjust the pushrod if necessary. Next, adjust the pedal downstop so you have 90-95mm of total pedal travel (no more, no less).

Using the above as your guide, you can "cheat" a bit by lowering the pedal and compensating by readjusting the downstop. However, be careful as the slave cylinder movement on the V8 is approximately half that of the standard single plate clutch. In other words, you don't want to much pedal travel and you don't want to little.

Note that there is no adjustment on the slave cylinder for the V8. Hope this helps.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[ErnestM]

FYI - as your clutch wears, it appears that the release is lower and lower...

ErnestM

[kmaier]

Oddly enough, the manual "suggests" that the system is self-adjusting. This is accomplished by using a pull-to-release clutch mechanism which, as it (the 2 discs) wears, pushes the slave cylinder piston further into the slave cylinder. This pushes additional fluid back into the master which has a center valve to allow fluid to flow back. This should exhibit consistant clutch feel throughout most of the useful clutch life. I guess your mileage may vary.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[ErnestM]

kmaier said: Oddly enough, the manual "suggests" that the system is self-adjusting. This is accomplished by using a pull-to-release clutch mechanism which, as it (the 2 discs) wears, pushes the slave cylinder piston further into the slave cylinder. This pushes additional fluid back into the master which has a center valve to allow fluid to flow back. This should exhibit consistant clutch feel throughout most of the useful clutch life. I guess your mileage may vary.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

Hey Kevin - I think us rabid Esprit drivers are just too in tune with our cars. Probably no other driver would have noticed, but I have "become the car" when sitting in the pilots chair. If we all notice the least speck of dust on the outside (and you know we do ), then imagine what we notice mechanically. I don't think the folks in Hethel made allowances for that kind of immersion when they wrote the books. Just a thought...

ErnestM

[redhotv8]

Thanks KM & ErnestM, I knew there would be someone on this great forum that could offer some advice to help. I will work on the pushrod adjuster as well as the pedal downstop and see if I can get it a little lower to help avoid applying too much throttle before the clutch is fully engaged. I am no crazy power shifter but I find that releasing the clutch fully before depressing the throttle is too slow for me! I will let you know how I make out.