clutch problem 51 ford
 

I drove the 51 yesterday the clutch worked great,trans shifted great. this morning it grinds putting it in gear and seems like the cluch is not releasing properly.I put the car on the lift and examined the linkage,looks ok.I took up on the cluch adjustment and the clutch is releasing and it goes into gear without grinding.The clutch pedel no requires much more effort to opperate.My guess is something happened to the pressure plate or thro out bearing.I am wondering what could cause this problem to happen all of a sudden.I am going to order a new clutch and thro out brg assy from Fort Wayne Clutch on Mon.

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

Just talked to FWC.I discribed my problem and the said that it is most likly a linkage problem.My clutch adj. is just about all the way in allthe piviots that I can see are OK.The thro out brg was quiet and seems to be sliding freely on the trans snout.Could it be a bent T.O. arm ore a worn fulcrum?I guess I will have to pull the trans. and find out.Damb!!!!!Phil

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

Although I don't know what the problem might be, I do know there are 3 different lengths of the clutch pedal rods shown in the parts book. it has to do with the equlizer bar that the rear of the rod hooks to ( three different equlizer bars also ) I will try to take a picture of my 51 & post it soon.

8A7521B 49 and early 50 11-1/4" long

OA 7521 late 50 12.80" long

1A 7521 11" long

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

Well I think the book is wrong...my 51 coupe was built in late Oct. 1950
and my 51 Vic was built in July 1951

the rod on both cars is about 12-7/8" (roughly)
here are the pics see if yours looks like this. please excuse the poor pic

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

The clutch worked great and suddenly went out of adjustment and needed greatly inceased effort to work the peddle.The linkage from the peddle to the TO arm seems to be OK.Appears the somthing happened to the pres plt.I am planning to take it appart tom.DRATS!!!!!!!Phil

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

Did the end of the clutch shaft brake off if it was welded,

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

Explain please,I don,t understand. Phil

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

In post #4 Pic upper left corner were it fits into the L shaped leakage.
The end of pedal shaft end,

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

i have a 1950 ford custom have pulled the trans three different times for what ever reason chatter, poor plate , if it worked good for how long and suddenly has a problem you know what you have to do, its not to much fun even worse if you have carpet but if all your linkage is ok, very poss. you have a pressure plate problem, has the car been stored a while??

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

I put a roll pin in to hold the arm on the throw out shaft... The pin gradually disintegrated, I made several adjustments before figuring it out... Must use a solid pin in that place.
Karl

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

See what you are talking about,no the linkage appears to be OK.Tom morning I am goig to send my wife alloft on the lift and have her work the ckutch and watch the action of the linkage before I take out the trans.Thank god it isn't the 41.Removing the trans on the 41 was a "B---ch. Phil

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

The 51 has a different set up than the 48 on back.If I understand your suggestion correctly. Phil

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

OK.Took the trans out this morning,found the problem.The clutch fork had jumped out of its pivot and was bottoming out when applied.I the retention spring on the TO brg was damaged allowing the fork to shift.I ordered a nos TO brg hub and fork from Shoebox Ford in Ok.and a rebuilt clutch kit from Fort Wayne Clutch.What a job removing the trans.Being a convert with Overdrive and with its x member made the removal very difficult,I had to remove both the OD governor and the sol.I plan to grind some clearence in the X member for the tail shaft to make the installation easier.Phil

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

Have a 50 model. How do I rod which I am supposed to have. I have all the adjustment out of the rod and still have to much pedal play.

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

Have you checked the trans fluid ? If low or empty it’ll grind .

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

I will check that for sure. Went out and looked at the the rod. The replacement shows the rod to be a straight rod. Mine has a couple of bends in it. Going to get a good measurement on it tomorrow. If the rod is too long that could be some of my problem.

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

Good call; sounds like some "home-brewed" engineering may have taken place.

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

This is from Van Pelts.

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

How do I find out of mine is a early 50 or a late 50.lloks like the early 50 used a 11 1/4" rod and the late 50 says 12.80".
Maybe somehow the wrong rod was put in the car and they just decided to drive it like that. The one Shoe Box Central shows is the 11 1/4" from all indications.
It would sure be nice if that's what the problem is.

Re: clutch problem 51 ford
 

I can't get a good measurement on the rod.
The linkage do have play in it. I did use use adjusternut and adjusted it for 1 1/2" Freeplay. As long as I can adjust it for Freeplay does the wear in the linkage make any difference?
Still would like to know which rod is supposed to be in the car.
With the pedal free play right I still have the shudder.