Recent bought my second Z, an 82 280zx.

Needed some tires, steering rack boots and a bit of fibreglass in the spare wheel rack for roadworthy and only $1600 Aus.

Anyway, my question is about the clutch "feel" in the 280zx.
At the top of the friction point (ie when the pedal is an inch
or so from the top of the travel) and the driveline is fully
engaged, the return force on the pedal reduces substantially.

Another way to put it is there is much less force required
to push the pedal the first two inches than the rest of the
way to the floor. Is this normal? There seems to be plenty
of pressure when engage the clutch (so pressure plate should
be ok). Is this a function of the return spring on the pedal
itself or should i be looking at hydraulics?

Any replies appreciated. What a car

iksteh

What Rust?
86 300zx turbo 82 280zx<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by iksteh on 07/23/02 07:36 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

I think Skully's right. Check and make sure you don't have air in the clutch sytem. Air compresses easier than hydrolic fluid so that would explain why it gets harder. One way to check is to pump the clutch and see if it stays soft at the top. If it firms up it has compressed the air if it stays the same the diaphram may be wearing out.

Keep the greasy side down.
-Mo

 

Thanks to you both - I'll give the system a bleed this evening
and see if that improves things. I'll post back here for the archives.

What Rust?

 

as an update, after 20 minutes of pumping the clutch while someone held my "super deluxe bleed kit" (read plastic hose and a jar half full of hydraulic fluid) and kept the master full of fluid, the clutch feels even all the way to the top. As a bonus it's all fresh fluid now as well.

I'm glad I did this - I could have been in for some excessive clutch wear...

Thanks for your suggestions

What Rust?