What is an Over Center Spring?

[dodge68charger]

I ve been doin some research on clutches, more so a mcleod diaphragm clutch for my 68 b-body and read that the over center spring should be removed. What is a over center spring? Thanks

 

[Meep-Meep]

On a factory clutch linkage setup it's the big spring under the dash that will kill you if you're not careful. It's purpose is to reduce the pedal effort and as the pedal moves up, the spring goes "over center" and holds the pedal up. It is said that with a diaphragm clutch you don't need the spring because of the lower pedal effort of diaphragm clutch.

 

[A383Wing]

still running the over-center spring in my Charger with diaphragm clutch....when you get old and bad knees, you need all the help you can get

 

[Funship32]

I have also read per Mopar Action that you can leave the over center spring in place if running a diaphragm clutch but you will need a return spring installed on the clutch fork.

 

[Meep-Meep]

My thought is if the clutch is adjusted properly so the pedal pops all the way up then no need to remove the spring.

 

[GTX MATT]

My thought is if the clutch is adjusted properly so the pedal pops all the way up then no need to remove the spring.

I would think so too, but the problem that I've seen with them is that you will kind of feel the pedal "pop" after you get over center on the way up, some of the diaphragms have a light enough pedal that there is a discernible difference in the feel/pedal effort once you're over center on the way up.

 

[dodge68charger]

Thanks guys, gonna take it out without losing an eye or anything else. Really leaning towards the mcleod diaphragm style clutch. Thanks again

 

[A383Wing]

I have also read per Mopar Action that you can leave the over center spring in place if running a diaphragm clutch but you will need a return spring installed on the clutch fork.

there should always be a return spring on the fork to keep the bearing from riding against the fingers on the plate...look at a service manual or parts book...all cars had them when new...it should never be taken off regardless of what style clutch disc is used