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Post by busaddict on Sept 18, 2020 10:00:14 GMT -8
There were signs long before, faint "ping" sounds as strands of wire snapped one by one but I missed it. The clutch was engaging near the floor, then that sinking feeling as the pedal traveled to the bottom and rested flat. This cable was installed at a garage about 10 years ago. Luckily I had watched "Little Miss Sunshine" and remembered the real life reference mentioning how a VW bus could be driven without a clutch. Start in 1st gear, use revs to shift etc. I was about a mile from home and I chose a route with no lights. The bus is back safely in the driveway. Is this a normal place for the cable to shear, right at the front by the Clevis pin? Any tips on replacement? I see some people thread a string front back to front as you remove the old one so you can pull the new one through. I suspect that little arm at the Clevis pin might have been stiff thus bending the cable, shouldn't that area be greased liberally? I always carry a spare clutch cable with Clevis pin and Bowden tube so I'm ready to go. Thanks!   |
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Post by mitchy965 on Sept 18, 2020 10:56:40 GMT -8
same set up as early porsche that would break the cable because the pin would seize and the cable would bend instead of rotating on the pin as intended. polish the pin and grease liberally.....good to go.
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Post by busaddict on Sept 18, 2020 16:24:33 GMT -8
same set up as early porsche that would break the cable because the pin would seize and the cable would bend instead of rotating on the pin as intended. polish the pin and grease liberally.....good to go. This one doesn't seem to have any grease  I'll have to remedy that when I replace it. Thanks! |
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Post by PICTUP on Sept 19, 2020 19:05:51 GMT -8
I had a clutch cable break just as I was approaching the Peace Arch border crossing once. The line-up was part way down the big hill(long line) and as I moved along I could feel and hear the same pinging as you mentioned, but due to the multiple clutch depressions I cottoned-on to the sound. It does produce a rather sinking feeling. The fun part was that it was raining. As I closed in on the duty free parking lot to the right, I pulled into the lot. Good thing my battery was strong enough to start in first gear! I think I replaced it, got very wet and greasy then looked at the sign that I had to purchase something before leaving. So I went into the store to plead my case(situation) and I must have looked a fright because I think the women took pity on me and I was given a by on the purchase requirement. I arrived in Seattle still wet and greasy....it was a Bus after all.  |
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Post by busaddict on Sept 21, 2020 0:05:49 GMT -8
Great story Don, I'm glad you made it work I recently upgraded from my standard type 41 Volkswagen battery to a slightly bigger type 91, it's supposed to have something like 150 cold cranking amps, something that came in handy with the clutchless starts. |
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I'll have to remedy that when I replace it. Thanks! 
