Buick V6 Clutch questions

The cable is good because it is simple, and it isolates movement of the body from movement of the frame. Other mechanical systems (ie bellcrank, chain) do not isolate as well as the cable, and are arguably less simple. Hydraulic systems isolate as well, but are more complicated, tend to fail more often, and are harder to jury-rig when they break.

The main problem with a cable is that the cable wears out eventually. Some of the cables Jeep used were of poor design (1972 CJ, and some Commando cables?) and the cable would freeze in the sheath. AFAIK this design did not have that problem. In theory, a cable is a very good system for clutch control - if the cable is free in the sheath, run it (after observing the routing warnings posted by Jim above). If not free, I'd get the the replacement, and try to free this one to carry as a spare.

 

that sounds like a plan tim. What would your recommendation be for the clutch kit? I've read that any 10.5 GM clutch kit will work, and when I search for one for a 78 buick 3.8 V6 I come up with kits ranging from 100 to 600 dollars. I'm leaning more toward something in the 100 dollar range. I will also need to get a new clutch fork, would I need to get one for the buick, the model year CJ that the clutch cable was designed for or a replacement for a '59 CJ?

This has been quite a learning experience for me.

 

I'm not the right guy to ask about pre-72 stuff... I'd guess that you want CJ pieces. Luk is supposed to be good. RockAuto shows Sachs ($143) and ACDelco ($160) clutch kit for a '70 or '71, which would both likely be ok.

 

The Sachs that just came out of my '98 XJ had 262K miles on it and still had plenty meat left on the disk. Replaced it anyway with the same while I had the motor out. Very good clutch parts IMHO.

 

clutch cable set up looks like a factory V6 - looks like my 71 - as for clutches some of guys have pointed out - missing input shaft bushing - disc in backwards - a diaphragm clutch will work fine behind a V6 - when I first got my jeep the PO had put a 12 spring / 3 finger pressure plate in it . boy was that a leg shaker . first thing that let go was the cable . the only thing that has ever broke was the ball end connector(cable adjuster) on clutch fork . made my own , been good ever since. I have bought 2 cables in almost 30 years . I would think that LAPS would have or order one for you I would use 1970 jeep CJ5 V6 - 71 had a deep bell housing . dont know if that would be any different

 

AFAIK the bell depth is the same from '70 to '71 - the '71 bell just incorporates the adapter.

Parts for a '70 would be a good bet though.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. And I'm not sure that the pressure plate was on backward. I took pics of it, but my camera died. I'll get pics up when its charged. The pressure plate looks the same on both sides, with the exception of the center hole protruding further on one side.

 

Thanks Warloch, I'll look for the Jeep Luk setup for a '70 as well as the '70 Jeep clutch fork.

Here are the pictures of both sides of the flywheel. This pic shows the side that faces toward the transmission.



This is the side that faces the engine.

 

and the center hub of the clutch disc appears to be cracked/broken.

 

Whenever I try to search for a '70 clutch kit, it shows only one result for a '68:

http://www.dial-a-clutch.com/Clutch_Kit_p/14200.htm

Doesn't show a diameter, or any other info. Would this be the one that I should go with?

 

I went with a Luk 01-029

http://templates.earthstores.com/90...8697465506172747345786368616E6765&prod=422404

I didn't get it from these guys, but this is an example.

I got mine locally.

 

Be very skeptical of online listings for older cars.

If you are going to order online, go with RockAuto. www.rockauto.com They show the Sachs clutch that was mentioned earlier. Their site contains fewer mistakes than most.

 

Agreed. I got this part number from the LUK catalog, and it's the one I have on my jeep, this was the only online listing I could find as an example.

 

Youve got the terminology incorrect. The pressure plate assembly is the part that bolts to the flywheel and the friction disc is the part with the hub splined to the transmission input shaft. Your pic and description shows the disc was installed backwards as Patrick noted. Id get the release arm from rockauto if possible. The v-6 arms that Ryan (jeepguy) and others sell are crown items and need grinding to get full travel. Went through this a few months ago. Fortunately I caught it before the trans was installed

 

yes, others have noticed that my terminology isn't up to par. Posting in a public forum magnifies ignorance. At least you guys are still helpful, and not dismissing me because of it. I appreciate all of the help, and I'll try to do a little research before I ask questions.