Help-Clutch Problems???

[Hoonbash]

Was shifting from 1st to 2nd when I noticed clutch pedal was very hard to push in,would not go into 2nd so I coasted to a stop in neutral.

As mentioned pedal is very hard to push in,car will not shift into gear when running but will shift when not running,the clutch will not engage or disengage.

I checked the cable it's OK,the fork moves when the clutch pedal is pushed,I tried moving the adjustments around(cable & bell-housing ) so I could limp it home,no luck, the little bastard stranded me.

I suspect the clutch is toast so I'd also like to know what size clutch this car would use(79 Sunbird 350)

What do you gents think the problem is?

Thanks in advance for all replies-Hoonbash

[MB77Monza]

Me thinks the pressure plate is toast.

[cjbiagi]

If the fork is moving a adequate amount, then you do probably have a pressure plate problem. You need a certain amount of "throw" in the cable/fork, so make sure you didn't develop a firewall flex problem. A 350 definetly requires a 10.5" clutch, stick with a diaphram type pressure plate. A bad clutch cable will also make the pedal very stiff, but you seem to have more problems than that.

[Hoonbash]

Clutch came apart and put a spring and a piece of metal into the fingers,Damn Junk clutches!!

Man I hate working on these cars there's never enough room,it fought me every inch of the way
Was so pissed-off that bench pressing that tranny was easy

A centerforce clutch kit is $ 400.00+ up here,That SUCKS!!!
And Thanks again for the advice along the way gents much appreciated!!!!- Hoonbash

[mldeolde]

my advice would be to check out e-bay . i actually got my 10,000 RPM brand clutch ,pressure plate and a 13 lb billet steel flywheel real,real resonable!!!!!!!!!!!!!! QUITE ADEQUATE FOR MY IMSA AND CHEAP-----------

[marco_1978_spyder]

I know what you mean about being stranded.
My Black 79 has been VERY temperamental lately.
To the point of pissing me off.

But all I can do is shake my fist at myself for trying to rely on old -should have been discarded long ago- parts, for daily use.