VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Clutch Return Spring?

I feel stupid. After over fourty years of building and repairing machine tools and automated assembly machines I am stuck. I replaced the master cylinder on our '40. In doing so I removed the clutch and brake return springs. I am OK with the brake spring but the clutch spring has me stumped. The over all length is 5 5/8 long. A loop on one end right at the end of the coils. The other end has a 2 1/8 straight end then a hook. Where do I install it? What does it hook on?

Thanks for your help.

Looks like the clutches on our Chevys are a problem today. I started my '41 today for the first time in a couple of weeks. When last run everything was good. The gear shift will not go into any gear and when forced sounds(grinding) like the clutch is engaged. I oiled all the shift linkage and the gear shift works okay with the engine off. The clutch pedal feels okay when depressed and seems to have the right amount of play and the spring feels okay. Apparently the clutch is stuck engaged or something is broke or loose. Any quick checks before I have to get serious . It's too hot here in Missouri to work a clutch. Thanks JIM

On my '38 the spring connects to a tab by the throwout bearing fork on one end and a tab bolted to the top of the crossmember on the other end. This shows the '41.

On my '40 the clutch return spring is hooked to the clutch sdjustment shaft (A & B) just inboard of the linkage that goes aft to the clutch pedal in Tiny's graphic and goes forward and is hooked in the large hole in the after part of the emergency brake bracket. I don't think it matters which end of the spring is is forward. Give me a call if you need more clarification. 318-798-0493.

Thanks for your help Guys. I think I have it now. I couldn't see it for looking. I guess a person gets rusty after being retired 23 years.

Jim
If you are sure the adjustment is close to correct a trick to try is to put the trans in top gear and with foot on clutch pedal try to crank over. It is possible the clutch disc has stuck (rusted) to flywheel or pressure plate, generally not hard to release. If the starter isn't strong enough try rolling down hill or towing.
Tony

Tony It worked. The clutch disc released (Popped) on the third try. I had tried all the tricks I knew but your idea was new to me. I was sure the disc was stuck but I had not tried your sequence of clutch engaged and in gear. VCCA is one of finest car clubs. It is members like you that make the club so great and everyone is so good to share experieces and help with problems.
Thanks to you Tony, I'm back on the road again. JIM

My father had a farm truck that had that problem on a regular basis, when the battery was good mostly the starter worked but occasionally we tow started the truck before the clutch released.
Tony