Bl**dy Clutch Cable

[Guest Jonathan Tall]

Hi all,

My Clutch cable has benn a source of trouble ever since I built my EXMO. The problem is that the cable seems to be too long, I have to use a LOT of washers to pack up the outer cable and I still have to push the pedal to the floor to get into gear, especially REverse. The nasty cable has now broken and I'd like to know if a different (Ie non Sierra) cable would be any use. HELP!

PS how do I identify 45,50,55 Quadrants? what does the number relate to?

[Spannerman]

Hi Jonathan,

 

On the subject of putting the clutch to the floor to get into gear, Big Jim managed to find out that there are three quadrants available - 45, 50 & 55 (What is yours?). The higher you go the more clutch cable travel you get, which will help the clutch clear.

Alternatively, you can do away with the quadrant, modify the pedal and fit an adjustable cable as fitted to escort mk 2 / capri, I think.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Cheers

 

Kevin

[Big Jim]

When the cable is fitted, it should pass between No2 & No3 exhaust pipes (if you have the 4 branch manifold) or can easily be bracketed away from the manifold if you have the cast one.

Make a bracket that holds it as good as possible, middle for diddle between the pipes, then that area of cable for at least 4" above & below the level of the exhaust manifold needs some form of heat protection. you can buy sleeves to put on, you can wrap it in exhaust bandage, I got hold of some copper wire out of some heavy mains cable and wrapped it with a double layer (old British motorcycle owners trick to stop the heat blueing the exhaust....but I digress!)

I had that clutch cable on for 3 years, and it was still OK when I changed the engine.

When you put the cable into the pedal box, after connecting it to the self adjuster (& pressing the pedal to adjust) you should have an inch or two of "teeth" showing.

 

If all this is set up correctly, and you still "snick" the gears on selection, then you can change the clutch adjuster quadrant. The "standard" yellow quadrant is 45mm from pivot centre to cable 'run', there are 2 others available, 50mm & 55mm. The quadrants are identical, the only difference is the depth of the cable 'run'. If you are only just snicking them, go to a 50mm. If it really crunches, go to a 55mm.

 

You need to remove the clutch pedal to change the quadrant, on the 2B the fire wall does get in the way, but you can get the pivot pin to move 'in' a bit.

 

Once you've released the cable, remove the circlip on the clutch pedal end of the pivot pin, undo & remove the 2 nuts that hold the cable guide to the pedal box and remove it. Now see if you can wriggle the pedal out. If you can't, then there is another circlip that locates the brake pedal onto the pivot shaft, remove this circlip, you should now be able to pull the pivot shaft about another ½" towards the accelerater, giving you a bit more clearance. If that doesn't work, as the firewall is still too close, then I'm afraid you may nead to release the whole pedal box.

 

Note; The replacement quadrants are only £5 from any half decent car accesory shop. ( Just ask to see the ones as fitted on Escorts & Granada's)

[Guest Jonathan Tall]

Found solution, simply buy a cortina mkIV/V clutch cable...perfect!!

Jonathan

[Guest Ianz]

Christ Jonathan

 

Has it taken you 5 months to get a clutch cable sorted!!!!!!!!

Ian