valk Posted February 11, 2023 Share Posted February 11, 2023 The clutch pedal on my ‘41 Roadmaster seems real light, meaning not a lot of resistance when I depress the pedal. I haven’t driven it in a while, and it still works fine, but I remember it being more solid, heavy. Is this a sign that the springs are getting weak? Is there a way to adjust them if they are or better off replacing? thanks very much, Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Nelson Posted February 11, 2023 Share Posted February 11, 2023 Bless you my son for the efforts required to first remove , move the rear, then pull the tranny, and last, remove the clutch. At this point, considering the effort, replace both the clutch and disc. Check the condition of the flywheel surface and starter ring gear. Compared to the 248 engine, pulling the flywheel is 100 percent easier. Personally, I would go for it. Better now when you can control any issues vs out on the road and your clutch begins to fail. I personally had 3 - 248 engines on my Buick's and they are a b---ch to change the clutch. They are not a difficult job but having a partner under the car helping is wonderful. Having a shop where you can work more easily under the car is golden... Done it both ways. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Nelson Posted February 11, 2023 Share Posted February 11, 2023 Also, changing the throw out bearing at this point is also recommended. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted February 11, 2023 Share Posted February 11, 2023 1 hour ago, valk said: The clutch pedal on my ‘41 Roadmaster seems real light, meaning not a lot of resistance when I depress the pedal. I haven’t driven it in a while, and it still works fine, but I remember it being more solid, heavy. Is this a sign that the springs are getting weak? Is there a way to adjust them if they are or better off replacing? thanks very much, Peter Have you checked the pedal return spring? The clutch itself is pretty light, in my experience. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valk Posted February 11, 2023 Author Share Posted February 11, 2023 Not yet, great idea, thanks Ben. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtech Posted February 12, 2023 Share Posted February 12, 2023 If the clutch doesn't slip when stomping it in 3rd I would say it is ok. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valk Posted February 12, 2023 Author Share Posted February 12, 2023 I like your response best of all! But wondering if failure is imminent. Thank you, peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted February 12, 2023 Share Posted February 12, 2023 17 minutes ago, valk said: I like your response best of all! But wondering if failure is imminent. Thank you, peter No! Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted February 12, 2023 Share Posted February 12, 2023 The clutch in my '38 Century is pretty light; particularly so when compared with the clutch in my '64 GP. If it isn't slipping, stinking, shuddering or making noise I would keep driving until it does! 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valk Posted February 12, 2023 Author Share Posted February 12, 2023 That’s what I’ll do….thanks MT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted February 12, 2023 Share Posted February 12, 2023 I find my clutch to be curiously light as well. It doesn't slip in high gear at low speeds when I pin the throttle, so I guess it's OK. I was planning on replacing the torque ball and I'll replace the clutch when I do that job. I decided not to do it this winter simply because I didn't want to risk taking the Buick offline in case I couldn't get it done in time for spring driving--the Lincoln is going to start sucking up a lot of my time shortly. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valk Posted February 12, 2023 Author Share Posted February 12, 2023 Thanks Matt, I’ll let it ride. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant Z Posted April 16, 2023 Share Posted April 16, 2023 The clutch on my 1941 Special (248 small motor of course) is also very light but gives no trouble and I've driven the car 14,400 miles (23,175 km) in the 4-1/2 years I've owned it. I will be interested to see if the clutch is the same in my 1941 Roadmaster when I finish the restoration (a few years away yet). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valk Posted April 16, 2023 Author Share Posted April 16, 2023 I’ve driven my car several times since posting this and no problems so I guess these vintage Buicks have very light clutch peddle resistance. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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