I am having a problem with the clutch pedal return on my newly restored '54 Mercury.  I adjusted the pedal free play to slightly over  the first 1" of pedal travel as specified in the shop manual.  However, the pedal when so adjusted will not fully return to the same elevation as the brake pedal next to it.  If I pull up on the clutch pedal with my hand, I can bring it up to the same level as the brake pedal but when I let go the clutch goes down the 1" and the pedal travel starts at that point. .  I checked all of the parts on the diagram in the Shop Manual to make sure I did not omit a return spring but the only return spring I see is one next to the adjustable rod next to the bell housing and that one is there.  I know that there is another spring under the dash which connects to the upper clutch pedal but I think that this spring is designed to ease the amount of pedal pressure necessary to push the pedal to the floor and has nothing to do with making the pedal fully return.  Anybody got any ideas as to what the problem is?  Thanks, Alan S. Freeman

When you pull the pedal up look and see if the clutch release rod is pulled away from the throwout fork.If so adjust.Alternately you could just mount a spring under the dash to return the pedal?

If I recall correctly, the under dash spring goes over center at the top of the travel so that it pulls the pedal up at the top of the stroke, then as you push the pedal down it assists you in disengaging the clutch.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

My buddy with a 55 Ford has had problems over the years with chattering in the clutch.Discovered this week that the overcentre return spring on the pedal under the dash was missing.Put one in and the clutch has never worked better.I would assume that the clutch was not releasing completely previously.

  

The first inch of free pedal play does not move the rod at all which I think is the way it is supposed to work.  Alan 

Alan,
I ran across this in the Thunderbird Restoration Manual a coupe of weeks ago and may apply to your problem also.

Jim
Norfolk, VA

"MABLE"
1956 Thunderbird Green / Brown Interior (ZE-XG)

"MEAN GREEN"
1956 Mainline (FG-BE)

my 57 ranchero has a return spring frome the clutch release arm to the frame,sounds like yours is missing,i also have overcentre spring under dash

My setup has both springs but the one down below next to the adjustable rod seems to be a rather lightweight spring although it was the one which came with the car and the clutch worked well before I disassembled the car for restoration.  Am I correct that there is not supposed to be any movement of the adjustable rod during the first 1" of free pedal play?  Thanks

I adjust the free play so ther is 1in free play after the lower spring is cmpresed and throw out is engaging. other wise you have to much fee play. the lower spring is designed  so throw out bearing is not turning till the pedal moved 1in. as the clutch wears the 1in will decrease,requiring adjusting the rod to real ease lever so the 1in comes back

Question....which spring or springs cause the clutch pedal to return to the same level as the brake pedal?  It looks to me like the pedal return results from the springs on the pressure plate and/or the clutch disc.  The rather lightweight spring next to the adjustable rod looks like its purpose is to make sure that the rod remains in contact with the clutch fork at all times.  The spring on the pedal assembly under the dash looks like it is designed to make depressing the pedal easier for the driver.  Anyone know the answer to this?  Thanks, Alan