DeTomaso Mailing List: March 1997, Message #96
     



From: "Ted A. Mitchell" <tmitch@gte.net>

Subject: Re: Clutch

Date: Wed, 12 Mar 1997 10:06:36 -0800



Nobbie,



It is extremely important to keep checking the clearance at the clutch

slave cylinder.  This is best done by temporarily removing the spring from

the arm so that you can feel free play.  There should be a very small

amount of free play (this allows the throwout bearing to come back off of

the clutch so it doesn't "fry"), but too much free play diminishes the

amount of clutch disengagement (not good on a Pantera).  I like to keep it

to about 1/16 to 1/8 inch (less than specification) but this requires more

frequent checking to be sure it does not go to 0 inch.  After you get used

to it, you can check it without removing the spring.  This is all covered

in the Pantera Tech Service Bulletins which you should have along with the

shop manual (available from Gary Hall and others).



As for needing to push the clutch pedal to the floor for certain gears, Get

in the habit of PUSHING THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO THE FLOOR FOR ALL GEARS.  Your

Transaxle will last longer.



The Effort Reduction Kit (also shown in the Pantera Tech Service Bulletins)

was factory installed on the L models but dealer retrofitted on some

others.  This is a linkage modification at the Pedal pivot, requiring a

complete replacement of the pedal pivot assembly.  It is somewhat

complicated (more wear points) but modifies the pivot point to give more

motion at the beginning and less at the end when the clutch gets "heavier".

This results in approximately the same total disengagement of the clutch

with less perceived effort.  I don't know anybody that bothered to try and

make this modification themselves, unless they had to replace this assembly

for other reasons.



The stock Pantera clutch disk is thinner than other disks, because De

Tomaso disassembled every disk and pounded the "marcel" springs down with a

hammer and then re-riveted them.  You can have a stock disk relined as long

as they don't use a "heavy duty" thicker than normal lining.



Good luck with your new car.



Ted

http://home1.gte.net/tmitch/pe.htm     tmitch@gte.net