I replaced the engine/transmission on my 94 accord, and also replaced the slave/master cylinder at the same time. The only problem though is I noticed with the pedal assembly there is about 2" of play (pedal to floor distance) before the actual master cylinder push rod starts moving. So the clutch barely engages, and the disengagement height it just an inch or two. I know the system is bleed, because as soon as the push rod engages the pedal gets firm.

It seems like there should only be a half inch of play, not 2 inches. What is normal play with hydro clutch pedals?

 

Half inch to one inch of play is fine. You adjust it at the pushrod by loosening up the locknut and turning the outer part that the bolt goes through either clockwise or counterclockwise. It will take a little bit of adjusting to figure it out and get it right. Make sure to tighten up the locknut when you're done. This is very important.

 

Is there a torque spec for that locknut?

 

Just tighten it up. Nothing special. As long as its somewhat tight the pushrod wont unscrew, similar to what can happen if you leave the inner tierod locknut loose.

 

Thanks, I adjusted it again and got it down to about 1.25" of play. I noticed the bushings seem to be worn out, so I will just get all new bushings and that will probably get rid of a lot of play.

Is it okay to "preload" the push rod a little? For example when you push on the pedal the clevis part has about a 1/8" of forward-back play, but if I tighten the push rod some more, then when you push the pedal it would reduce the play. It would be pushing it toward the seat. It would push it toward the pedal slightly so there would be very little play when you push on the pedal (although I would still have probably 1/2" play with the worn bushings). There wouldn't be any actual pressure on the master cylinder, it would just be less pedal movement before the push rod starts moving.

 

Nononononono. You want the clutch fork to definitely be off the throw out bearing. You want the clutch pedal to be completely still. Note how right before the clutch pushes in, before you have to exert effort, you can feel a slight vibration in the pedal? that's the throw out bearing spinning on the clutch fork, and you want it to not spin when the clutch is out, otherwise you will wear-out that bearing prematurely.

 

I dont know what bushings you are talking about.

You just want it so there is about an inch of movement in the clutch pedal before it engages the throwout bearing.

 

Okay, thanks for the advice.