[4kids3fish]

Finally worked out why I've been missing shifts at high revs in the 3.2 - the clutch pedal is staying down!

For months I have wondered why changing at ~7000 felt odd & why I kept botching-up the change. First I thought that maybe my shoes were fouling (got new shoes), then that maybe the clutch pedal rubber was catching (replaced that), and then that maybe it was because at lower revs I kept my heel on the carpet while at high revs I lifted my whole foot off the floor, maybe catching on ther carpet joint.

Nope. It happened again last night, & this time I nailed it. As I was lifting my left foot after shifting gear & re-applying the throttle the clutch pedal stayed low so I got an over-rev. (What the heck's going on?). Then as the rpm dropped back to say 6000 the pedal came back up - with a bit of a thump because my foot was still a bit off it.

Any ideas on what causes this? It is definitely rpm-related - at lower revs it is perfectly normal with plenty of bite & the action is not too high. I am guessing that (i) the diaphram-spring/pressure-plate is being overcome by the high centrigual force & won't return properly, or (ii) something odd with the release bearing.

It sounds expensive!
Does the engine have to come out to change the clutch on a 3.2 Mondial or 328?

 

[afwrench]

clutch problem

pedal not coming back up used to be a common problem in early drag racing days. you are correct , the pedal stays down due to high rpm. sounds like a new pressure plate is needed springs get weak. be careful do not want to over rev much more expensive.

 

[FasterIsBetter]

I'm not sure if the 3.2 is the same clutch as the QV, but have you tried bleeding the system? When was the last time you bled it, if it's the same hydraulic clutch as the QV? I know the 308's have a mechanical clutch cable that need adjusting, I believe. Is your's the mechanical or hydraulic? Before going and tearing it appart, perhaps trying a bleed or adjustment might make sense. Just a thought. I was having trouble with my 84 QV at high revs on the track. Turned out to be old fluid, boiling, lost pressure. Bled the system, put in high quality racing fluid, no more problems.

 

[4kids3fish]

Thanks Steve. I know there's a little bit of weeping on the slave cyl so I'll try getting it sorted first.

 

[4i2fly]

Early 360s including mine had similar problem where the clutch would stick at high rpm and not come back up until revs died down. I got mine fixed under warranty since the part was defective from manufacturer. They replaced the bearing and seals in the clutch assembly and no more issue. It sounds similar problem in your 3.2, hope it helps...