Hi all, The Dino is nearing completion on a complete body-shop rebuild and looking as you might expect it to, beautiful. I then got the dreaded call this afternoon from the garage - "there is a problem"... The gears are getting hard to engage once it is up to running temperatures. I questioned whether there is room for adjustment in the clutch, but inevitably I should prepare myself for the next phase of billing,... gulp. Firstly, is there much adjustment to be made on a GT clutch? If not... I guess it is time for a new clutch kit to be fitted. Can anyone advise me what is involved on a 246GT,... is it 'engine out' or can it be installed whilst in the car? I have done a quick search on the web and see that Superformance sell a kit for £286.95. Is this a reasonable quote? I know that Fiat share the same engine so maybe it can be sourced without the mark-up generally given to Ferrari products. What costs have you incurred for the job in hand? Any tips from some more experienced owners will be appreciated. Regards, JIM Dino72 UK
Nothing to worry about. A clutch change is an in the car deal that can be done in about 4-6 hours. If you have gone through the expense of a restoration then this is a mere speed bump along the way. The Superformance stuff is just fine and AFAIK the clutch is not shared with a Fiat so the cost is a little higher but nothing crazy.
Thanks for the reply... I am glad to hear it can be done without removing the engine. I was a little worried that it could run into extortionate amounts, everything else seems to! Any tips on the practical side that I can pass on? JIM Dino72 UK
The clutch cable can be adjusted and the last three new ones that I've seen replaced needed to be shimmed as part of install. So either adjusting and/or shimming should be your first step. If you do end up replacing your clutch then also replace the cable
Unlike a hydraulic clutch mechanism, a cable mechanism is not self-adjusting. So it needs to be adjusted periodically as the clutch material wears. Don't assume you need replacement until a knowledgeable person tells you the clutch cannot be adjusted further. Another possibility is that the cable is failing and stretching, thus not disengaging the clutch fully. But in my experience that problem usually gets rapidly worse until total failure occurs.
I agree with Synchro, go for adjustment first, there is plenty of scope here. Mine had similar problems and needed shimming and messing about with for ages before it was right. but it was all solved by adjustment and lots of patience!
Thanks all for your responses about adjustment, but this avenue has apparently been exhausted . I've ordered a replacement kit from Superformance this lunch time. This car was my late father in laws. It will be submitted into Bonham's Goodwood Revival auction September 14th. It is now looking and will be performing mint. The lucky winning bidder will have a new clutch along with everything else! Kind regards, Jim Dino72 UK
The clutch install is not a big deal & can be done with the engine in the car. I agree with the others about checking the cable...be very careful as the adjusting nuts are left hand thread and go the opposite way- it is easy to strip them. Please make sure you ask the shop if they adjusted it and if there was anything unusual about the nuts or fittings..if they dont immediately tell you they are left hand thread..inspect them yourself and see if they stripped em. I think the guys at Superformance are really the tops - I love em. However, one time they inadvertently sent me a fiat clutch which they promptly rectified (as they always do)...it is easy to mix em up ..so please take a look at the orig clutch visually and make sure it is the same as the replacement clutch. this is not a hard thing to fix. Some guys advise replacing the clutch cable but if in good shape u don't have to. However, many mechanics shove the cable upwards and fit it to the housing which is at a severe angle and breaks the casing (happens all the time) and then the split collects water and rusts the cable over time. So the cable replacement has to be done carefully (again inspect yours). I am also pretty certain that atf transmission fluid is used to lube the cable which u should do. Others here may know if this is correct but i think so, good luck - send pics
Thanks for the advice all, The clutch has been delivered today and will be installed on Monday. I am going to print out this series of replies for the garage to consider before starting the procedure. I am sure it is in good hands but it is reasuring to know what potential problems, resolves and experience you can highlight on the subject. This forum has great quick feedback and I appreciate and value your responses. Many thanks, JIM Dino72 UK
