Where should clutch pedal engage clutch on a 88 Mondial 3.2 | FerrariChat
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Where should clutch pedal engage clutch on a 88 Mondial 3.2

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by ownferraribeforedie, Sep 14, 2025 at 8:23 AM.

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  1. ownferraribeforedie

    ownferraribeforedie Rookie

    Aug 26, 2025
    10
    sarasota fl
    Full Name:
    Jeff Stepek
    #1 ownferraribeforedie, Sep 14, 2025 at 8:23 AM
    Recently purchased an 88 Mondial 3.2 cab with 67,000 miles. None of the records with the car reflect any clutch replacement or any clutch hydraulics.

    The pedal engages the clutch only an inch or so from the floor (fully depressed). Car shifts ok but occasional grinds going into reverse. Yes I know I should go into first then reverse.

    On a properly adjusted Mondial clutch system, were should the pedal travel engage the clutch?

    Am I looking at a clutch wear or a hydraulic issue? No evidence of any fluid leaks.

    Thanks in advance

    ownferraribeforedie
     
  2. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,662
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    #2 yelcab, Sep 14, 2025 at 8:39 AM
    There is no adjustment at the bell housing. There is no adjustment along the cable because there is no cable. If your pedal feels solid and no sloppiness is found, then you know what you need ... a new clutch.
     
    moysiuan likes this.
  3. ownferraribeforedie

    ownferraribeforedie Rookie

    Aug 26, 2025
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    sarasota fl
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    Jeff Stepek
    #3 ownferraribeforedie, Sep 14, 2025 at 12:18 PM
    If indeed I need a new clutch, once installed, then where in the travel of the clutch pedal would I feel the engagement? Towards the middle?

    If any Mondial owners recently had a new clutch installed where do you find the clutch engaging?

    Appreciate the reply thus far. I will probably bleed the clutch to ensure all is good there.

    Thanks
    ownferrarrbeforedie
     
  4. DanielGA

    DanielGA Karting

    Mar 19, 2018
    190
    Midwest
    Full Name:
    Daniel A.
    #4 DanielGA, Sep 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
    Bleeding clutch is good...for it could be air in the system.

    I have a Mondial. There should not be much slack. If the pedal has some mechanical slack, you can feel it by just tapping on it with your foot until there is some resistance. That slack should be less than one centimeter of pedal travel. Then, as your press the pedal further, you should feel resistance.The clutch should "slip" or disengage maybe half way down the pedal travel (or 75% of its travel). There should be some remaining travel after that 75% which just distances the clutch a bit more. Assuming your clutch was fine "recently", then if it further got worn it is just a millimeter or some of clutch thickness, which should not amount to much pedal travel.

    If air got into the system, because of a broken/cracked seal in the slave cylinder (for example), then the pedal is not able to push the clutch enough until you press it way down.

    Bleeding the clutch is not too hard: fill brake fluid reservoir, open bleeding valve, have somebody else press pedal to 50%, it should bleed a bit, close bleeding valve, release pedal -- repeat a few times.
     
  5. ownferraribeforedie

    ownferraribeforedie Rookie

    Aug 26, 2025
    10
    sarasota fl
    Full Name:
    Jeff Stepek
    #5 ownferraribeforedie, Sep 14, 2025 at 5:29 PM
    We will bleed the system soon. There is less than a cm of slop until resistance is felt. Otherwise all seems normal other than the need to as reported to absolutely floor the pedal and then letting it back out only an inch or so it starts to catch.
    Thanks for the replies .
    Ownferraribeforedie
     
  6. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
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    Jan 21, 2004
    2,740
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    Guido
    #6 theunissenguido, Sep 15, 2025 at 2:42 PM
    It can be that the slave cilinder is changed for a slave cilinder from Lancia or Alfa Romeo model with a wider inner diameter. That can explain the grinding in reverse.
     
  7. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2005
    4,248
    Canada
    #7 moysiuan, Sep 17, 2025 at 1:17 AM
    At 67,000 miles you are likely due for a new clutch. Clutch should start to disengage at about the halfway point of the pedal travel and be fully disengaged beyond about 3/4 pedal travel.

    You might have the flywheel removed, skimmed and a rear main seal installed while doing the clutch and pressure plate, clutch release and pilot bearing. Also a new clutch hose, they get cooked from the exhaust heat.

    My 88 has the Abs brakes, the same hydraulics work the clutch. The slave can be bled, using a Motive pressure bleeder makes it easy to do. You access the bleed screw through the engine cover in the bsck sest area.
     

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