Clutch Adjustment Possible

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Wileyman - 30 Mar 2006 17:54 GMT

I recently purchased a '90 Miata with 91,000 original miles and the
clutch engages about 1 inch off of the floorboard. A new clutch,
pressure plate and throw out bearing were installed about two years ago
as well as a new clutch slave cylinder. I stopped by the local Mazda
dealer and the Service Manager said the clutch was not adjustable and
that as the new clutch wears in, the pedal will start to rise up.
Anyone have this experience? All advise is welcome.

Wileyman in Gainesville

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Don Bruder - 30 Mar 2006 18:30 GMT

> I recently purchased a '90 Miata with 91,000 original miles and the
> clutch engages about 1 inch off of the floorboard. A new clutch,
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Wileyman in Gainesville

Service manager has his head up his a.s. You're describing a
malfunctioning clutch. My first guess: Master cylinder is shot.

Assuming that the clutch was changed, and the car was actually driven,
rather than just sitting there doing nothing, two years is *WAY* more
than plenty of time for any "wear-in" effect that's going to come into
play to have happened.

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Natman - 30 Mar 2006 19:07 GMT

>I recently purchased a '90 Miata with 91,000 original miles and the
>clutch engages about 1 inch off of the floorboard. A new clutch,
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
>Wileyman in Gainesville

The service manager is right about the clutch not being adjustable.
The clutch pedal (at least in my '99) has some adjustment of it's
engagement with the clutch master cylinder. It sounds like either the
MC is in poor shape or there is air in the system. Did it engage like
this BEFORE the new clutch was put in?

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Chuck - 31 Mar 2006 03:45 GMT

Who installed the new clutch? Was it a stock or aftermarket clutch?
Have you checked the slave for leakage? (fluid inside the rubber billows)
Is the clutch fluid clean or black in the master cylinder tank.
It would be a very good idea to bleed the system and make sure that there is
no air in it.
It certainly is possible that the master cylinder is bad and needs a rebuild
or replacement.

Finally, some of the aftermarket clutches behave as you mentioned, with
fairly quick engagement, and operate with the pedal close to the floor. It
may be possible to adjust the master cylinder rod to take up some of the
play, but don't overdue it.

> I recently purchased a '90 Miata with 91,000 original miles and the
> clutch engages about 1 inch off of the floorboard. A new clutch,
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Wileyman in Gainesville

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