CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: Hans L on July 07, 2014, 04:34:22 PM

Title: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Hans L on July 07, 2014, 04:34:22 PM

I've been attempting to assembly the Clutch Bell Crank and Lower Clutch Push Rod.  If I follow the AIM, it appears there is a major mis-alignment with the lower push rod and the clutch fork.  If I flip the push rod to the other side of the bell crank arm, it appears to align well.

What is correct?   Do I have some underlying alignment issue with the Bell Crank & Clutch Fork?   

Here's the situation:

AIM Diagram for reference:
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Assembly/AIMClutchShaftandRod_zps88717a30.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Assembly/AIMClutchShaftandRod_zps88717a30.jpg.html)



Lower Clutch Rod, installed per the AIM:  Note big alignment gap:

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Assembly/ClutchlinkPushRod3_zps107fecde.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Assembly/ClutchlinkPushRod3_zps107fecde.jpg.html)


If I install the push rod on the other side of the arm, (opposite side of what the AIM suggests), it appears to align just fine.  What is correct??

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Assembly/ClutchlinkPushRod4_zps430bca56.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Assembly/ClutchlinkPushRod4_zps430bca56.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Mike S on July 07, 2014, 07:12:33 PM

 Are you sure you have the correct Z-bar?

Mike

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Hans L on July 07, 2014, 07:28:35 PM

Quote from: Mike S on July 07, 2014, 07:12:33 PM

Are you sure you have the correct Z-bar?

Mike

Not sure.  I assumed it's correct, but not sure.   How can I verify it's correct?   

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Mike S on July 07, 2014, 07:34:20 PM

 This may help: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=255969

Mike

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Hans L on July 07, 2014, 08:07:18 PM

Thanks Mike.  I'll measure the tube length tonight and see which version I might have.   

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Hans L on July 08, 2014, 01:29:29 AM

The clutch bell crank measured at 9 inches, so most likely correct  SB version.  Anyone else experience this issue?  I'm guessing it won't matter, but just puzzling why it's opposite of AIM  diagram.

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: JKZ27 on July 08, 2014, 01:41:51 AM

Just looked at mine on the 68. Its installed like the AIM and it contacts the fork at an angle. Not sure if its right but its been working hard for 5 years. I can't remember why I didn't install it from the other side (straight). I'll check my original 69 later to see if its the same.

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Hans L on July 08, 2014, 02:10:01 AM

Quote from: JKZ27 on July 08, 2014, 01:41:51 AM

Just looked at mine on the 68. Its installed like the AIM and it contacts the fork at an angle. Not sure if its right but its been working hard for 5 years. I can't remember why I didn't install it from the other side (straight). I'll check my original 69 later to see if its the same.

Thanks.  I can force it to fit if installed per the AIM, just seems really weird.  Curious how your '69 is set-up.

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: rszmjt on July 08, 2014, 05:02:20 AM

AIM is wrong IMO. I have been putting them from the inside for 40 yrs. My 69 Z28 has been installed opposite to aim since I bought the car in 74.

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: JKZ27 on July 09, 2014, 01:23:42 PM

My original 69 is like the AIM. It contacts the fork at a slight angle.

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Hans L on July 09, 2014, 08:27:31 PM

Quote from: JKZ27 on July 09, 2014, 01:23:42 PM

My original 69 is like the AIM. It contacts the fork at a slight angle.

Thanks for verifying.  Either way appears to work, just seems odd to have rod at angle the could increase the stress loading of the rod, especially around the connection point to the bell crank.   I installed per the AIM, and I'd guess about a 15-20% angle is present.

I'll probably install it wrong and go with what rszmjt has done....

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: rszmjt on July 10, 2014, 01:20:50 AM

What I don't like is if you install as per AIM, it trys to push the fork off the bellhousing ball, and it wears out the fork clip. JMO again.

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: ko-lek-tor on July 10, 2014, 01:26:07 AM

Quote from: rszmjt on July 10, 2014, 01:20:50 AM

What I don't like is if you install as per AIM, it trys to push the fork off the bellhousing ball, and it wears out the fork clip. JMO again.

I agree. I don't care what AIM shows, if it works better the other way, that is how I would put it. It is just practicle engineering that would have a straight line positioning.

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Mike S on July 10, 2014, 01:50:45 AM

 Just to show how the AIM has errors, it even shows the R/S grill center lower molding to valance rivets inserted in the opposite direction from what was actually done.
I wouldn't be surprised if there were other errors.

Mike

Title: Re: Clutch Lower Push Rod Alignment & AIM?
Post by: Hans L on July 11, 2014, 04:07:05 PM

For reference, here's how it appears installed per the AIM:

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Assembly/DSC_7914_zps94c9f7d0.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Assembly/DSC_7914_zps94c9f7d0.jpg.html)


Also, as a side note, I still need to touch up the bell housing bolts - they should be painted orange.