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· Super Moderator
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Does anyone know the size of the "C" clip that goes on the clutch cable? Had to make an emergency repair this afternoon aon the way home, as mine broke. I had a spare one or two back at the house, but, I had to use a hose clamp to get home. I'd just like to get a few more to keep in the cars now.
Thanks,
Gene
 

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They're 14 mm, however 9/16" will work.
 

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what timing! I just had some popping coming from my clutch at the firewall this evening, and since I've had an e-clip already go flying off, good to see this thread!

I was guessing on the sizes before, and I can tell you, if it's not the perfect size, it won't stay on very long!

Also, in case anyone sees this...do you know if there is any special material from which it should be made? I would think steel, but I'm not sure...
 

· Opeler
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Clutch cable spacer

I saw one post talking about using washers and cutting them to fit the cable as a spacer.

I have used body shims from Autozone, fit snuggly on the cable, and have a hole already drilled at the top if you use more then one. Hope this helps.
 

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OGTS has them. I suggest you get 2. I have one on the clutch cable at the proper setting and a spare on 2 notches back so I can change it where ever the old one breaks.
 

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my clutch peddle just fell to the floor while driving... scary!!!!!!! come to find out the guy that i bought my gt from 11 months ago had a hanger holding it on... the clutch was tight and worked fine, so when i put the new c clip on, should i do anything special.. how do i know which notch to put it in? I read another post but they said e clips.. whats the difference in a e clip and a c clip?????
 

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Billy (or Willy?),

Two steps to adjust a GT's clutch:

1) Get under the car, and adjust the clutch release arm pivot bolt (called the "ball stud" in the FSM), which is on the passenger side of the bell housing (this is a square-headed bolt held "locked" by a big outer nut) so that the distance between the clutch arm and the front edge of the bell housing is 4 1/4 inches, when the arm is pushed lightly forward (stretching the spring that pulls the arm rear-wards) as the release bearing is pressed against the pressure plate. Adjust by turning the bolt in (clockwise from rear) to increase the distance, CCW to decrease the distance. It should start by sticking out about 3/4 inch from the bell-housing, and as the driven disc wears, it should be screwed in over time. Tighten the locknut.

2) THEN, set the C clip (same as an e-clip) in whatever slot that gives you 3/4 to 1 1/4 inch of free play in the clutch pedal (you will see a gentle pressure only, provided by the spring that holds the release arm and bearing AWAY from the pressure plate). This should NEVER be changed, unless you replace the clutch cable.

Then, for good measure, back up the first C-clip with another one, and some folks (OK, me) even back THAT up with a small hose clamp behind both C-clips.

I have attached the FSM diagram and that shows what I mean. And I also have attached a photo of a neat fabricated backup clamp that I saw at Tacoma this summer (thanks to Gale Schmidt).
 

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· '72 Opel GT (Sara)
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Order one of part #3369K18 from McMaster-Carr for $10.85 each plus shipping. Problem will be solved permanantly.

Description, from their web site:
3369K18
Metric SS Two-Piece Clamp-On Collar 14 mm Bore, 30 mm Outside Diameter, 11 mm Width
$ 10.85 Each

McMaster-Carr
I came across this post while reading up on a related subject and decided to get one of these as an added precaution. The price has gone up to $15.44 but still worth it for piece of mind I think. Thanks for tip Stephen!

Matt
 

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· Super Moderator
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I came across this post while reading up on a related subject and decided to get one of these as an added precaution. The price has gone up to $15.44 but still worth it for piece of mind I think. Thanks for tip Stephen!

Matt
Not as high tech looking or conspicuous. I just use a washer in between two e clips so that two e clips are carrying the load instead of one.

Harold
 

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my clutch peddle just fell to the floor while driving... scary!!!!!!! whats the difference in a e clip and a c clip?????
The difference between c-clips and e-clips is pretty much described by their appearance, just like the capital letters "C" and "E." C-clips have a locking tab on either end, while E-clips add a third tab in the middle of their arc that distributes the load and makes them a good bit stronger. Rallye Bob has the right numbers above, 14mm or 9/16. Harold's idea above also sounds like a clever failsafe.

The clutch cable really requires an e-clip to handle the load it endures over time and a backup is a good idea. I think the clip is a better solution than the workarounds described in this thread so you can see what's actually going on with your adjustment notch by notch (and so you're not screwing into flat spots and grooves in the clutch sleeve with uncertain traction).

Jim
 

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I came across this post while reading up on a related subject and decided to get one of these as an added precaution. The price has gone up to $15.44 but still worth it for piece of mind I think. Thanks for tip Stephen!

Matt
I like this but maybe I could take a dremel and cut grooves in the inside to seat like a C-clip. Looks smooth on the inside and I think that is what turns a few people off.
 

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I like this but maybe I could take a dremel and cut grooves in the inside to seat like a C-clip. Looks smooth on the inside and I think that is what turns a few people off.
With the clamping force that can be applied with a piece like this, you can handle larger axial loads than with a C- or E- clip. While the material on a clip can bend and the clip breaks (that's the reason for this thread in the first place), the collar will stay in it's place forever if
- the inside dia fits to the clutch cable's outside dia;
- and the bolts are fastened to specification.
But even if the bolts get loose, you just fasten them up again and are ready to go.

Dieter
 
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