throwout bearing on clutch fingers

I messaged another member here about this, but they sold their project before figuring it out. So I was reading through searches this morning looking for answers to my current problem with no luck. I have installed a hydraulic clutch set up from the 80,s 4cly jeeps to my 69 with a sbc and m21 Muncie trans. I had to order the correct clutch fork for my bellhousing and with the whole system set up, and no pedals being pushed, the throwout bearing is up against the clutch fingers. When I got my slave (push type) the piston was already resting in the out position (as though I had the peddle pushed in) and to mount the slave to the bracket I had to push the rod and piston all the way in and hold it there as I installed the bolts. I piston has outward force on it continually pushing the fork against the clutch fingers???? I seems to me that the slave should of had the pistion resting inside (retracted) the slave instead of being in the out position, (wondering if I got a defective slave or if that is the way they come and the hydraulics will hold the piston in??) Some have suggested I get a adjustable pivot ball, but I don't see how that would help if the piston is constantly pushing on the fork.. Once all of the air is out of the system will the hydraulics hold the piston retracted in the slave? Im a bit confused as to how this works, or maybe a defective slave? Any thoughts or sugestions?? Thanks

jeepcj, Yesterday at 8:39 AM

 

Many hydraulic systems use a release bearing (throw out bearing) that is a constant contact style (and rotates constantly) because of this. It's the way they are designed. If it is creating an issue then you could use a spring to retract the arm and push the piston back in the cylinder.
Is it creating a problem? Is the system working ok as is?
And no, the hydraulics do not hold the piston retracted.

 

Im not sure if it is going to cause a problem or not, I just have always heard you don't want the bearing riding on the fingers. I am rebuilding the trans, so I cant drive it right now. At the same time as the rebuild I switched to hanging pedals and the hydraulic clutch, I have the gutted trans with the front retainer on it mounted to the bell and engine so I can see how the whole system was going to work and while bleeding it I noticed the rod is always applying force to the fork. If I used a spring to retract it, I think it would have to be a pretty hefty spring. I still have to do the rebuild on the trans and finish installing the column and reroute the wiring through the firewall before I can drive it. I just seen this as a potential problem. I thought maybe a shorter throwout bearing, but again if the slave is always putting force on the fork I think I would get the same results. I can try to post some pics of what I have if that would help? Thanks for responding Nick!! I know you are very knowledgeable on this subject. I believe the throw out im using is a standard chevy long.

 

That's a good question Glenn. I just assumed it would use a starndard T/O as the only thing being changed is how the fork gets moved, via mechanical linkage or hydraulic??

 

I have read that the adjustable T/O bearing is a great option to have to make sure it all works according to plan. There are also many different bearings for different applications.
novak has a lot of great info on their site
http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/clutch/kit-hcr3/kit-hcrb/

 

I would contact the clutch manufacture. They can answer your questions and recomend the best type and style of T/O bearing to use.