as i am preparing the engine overhaul, i also want to address another problem.

i remember when i was stripping the donor, before i began i took the liberty of going for a ride in it and was stupefied with the stiff clutch it had. seriously it was like driving a tank compared to my tin-top. the clutch on the tin top is like the accelerator on the sierra!

was the clutch normally heavy on the sierras? if not, could it be lubrication problems? maybe bent release arm?
any suggestions on lightening the clutch feel?
the typical solution is to increase pedal leverage at the expense of clutch travel, but is there another way?

i really cant imagine such a stiff tractor clutch on such a light and sporty car

cheers

p.s. its a while since i dont post in this section (not that anyone cares )

[Edited on 24/3/07 by robertst]

My clutch isn't *that* heavy....

compared with your tin-top? i mean the difference in my case is abysmal.

i am comparing it though with a FWD smart forfour car...but it also uses cable clutch

Heavy clutch indicates worn clutch usually, hard to describe, its to do with the leverage on the fingers. On a new cltch the fingers will be nearly at right angles to the plate, as the clutch wears they stick out more so the effort to push the plate away increases as the arms drag across the plate as well as pushing and the leverage alters slightly.

Your granny should be able to use the clutch with ease, nice and light when new.

you should be able to pick up all you need to replace this for under £80, even if it was good its still worth replacing during the build.
Also check that the cable is well lubricated, a worn one will also drag.

Regards Mark

Could have just been a stiiff cable..

It shouldnt be that stiff. Is your tin top hydraulic?? theyr usually lighter than cable.

A simple test to see if the clutch is heavy is to kneel beside the car and place your index finger and second finger from your right hand onto the clutch pedal. Then push the clutch down. If you are unable to push the clutch pedal down and you have a cable clutch, your cable could be at fault so try replacing it, if replacing it made no difference then it probably would have needed to replaced anyway because of strain on the cable, but if that doesn't cure the pproblem then you will need to remove the gearbox and check the release arm operation & condition as the most likely fault will be that the clutch cover has gone stiff. Where possible use an LUK clutch as they were the original parts manufacturer of Ford Clutches and they can generally be bought from a good parts factor at a fraction of the cost of a genuine ford clutch but not a lot more than the cost of other big name manufacturers.

Hope this helps

great help, much appreciated.

i was considering the clutch as the culprit but didnt know the cause.

do i have to change the pressure plate/diaphragm spring too?

The cheapest way to buy a cutch is as a complete unit, plate, cover and release bearing. buy & fit the lot.