[Vwdiesel] '84 Quantum TD clutch engagement

[Scott Kair]

Andrew wrote:

>>Well, I test-drove this car, which is for sale by a private individual,
today. It seemed in good condition, and I'm planning to have my mechanic
check it out. I found that the clutch engaged almost at the top of its
travel, making it hard to launch the car smoothly, although I was slowly
getting hang of it. The seller, who says he's had the car for a year, said
it took some getting used to for him too, so apparently it's been doing it
that long. Is this normal on these cars, and if not, any guesses what it
might take to put it right? Thanks!<<


	My memory is a little foggy, but perhaps I can jog Gary's or Mark's.
*Assuming* that there's plenty of clutch plate remaining, determining which
is a matter of tactile sensitivity in your left foot, and that the throw-out
bearing is in good shape, the issue you're experiencing may be related to
the clutch cable. I seem to recall that there were two types of clutch
cables for Quantae, one conventional with adjusting nut and locknut; the
other self-adjusting, allegedly. The latter did strange things to the
travel, and I was in the process of trying to locate a former when the car
was destroyed.
	Another item to check is the pedal and pivot mechanism up under the
dash. It can wear, put itself in a bind, and eventually break the pedal, a
most embarrassing situation. I'd noticed variable travel and was trying to
locate the cause when the pedal broke and fell off the pivot pin, nowhere
near home of course. Locating a replacement is a matter of luck.
	HTH,
	Scott Kair