Is there a specification for the clutch fork pivot ball height for a big block Olds. Perhaps a spec for pivot ball distance to flywheel? I had my flywheel re-ground and installed a new clutch kit (pilot bushing, disk, pressure plate, throw out bearing) and after adjusting pedal height, the clutch doesn't disengage. I have no idea of the flywheel thickness before the re-ground or how much was taken off or how thick a flywheel is when new. I am wondering if so much material has been removed from flywheel and now the throw out distance is more than it was before.I am still checking my setup and possibility of other worn parts but I'd like to know if grinding the flywheel could have contributed to the problem. I have a 1966 Olds 442 with a 455 and 4 speed M21. Any help would be appreciated.

 

The factory pivot ball just screws into the bellhousing until it bottoms. There is no adjustment. All adjustment is done with the clutch linkage rod. Adjust for pedal free throw, not height. The pedal should move about 1" down before you feel the throwout bearing start pressing on the clutch fingers.

 

That's what I thought. I adjusted the pedal to spec and it wouldn't disengage. I adjusted the pedal height closer, to where throw out bearing is riding the pressure plate. The pressure plate moves but not enough to disengage.

Thanks for the input

 

I had some issues with my 70 W30 along these lines. Wear and slop in the clutch linkage was causing problems with clutch actuation. Be sure the bushings in the Z-bar are in good shape, that the pivot fittings are not worn, and that the tip of the pushrod isn't worn where it presses on the fork. If that still isn't the problem, you can get a longer threaded pushrod. That's what I ultimately had to do. Again, do not adjust for pedal height - adjust for proper 1" freeplay. The pedal will land where it lands.