Triumph Repair: TR4A Clutch Adjustment, clutch adjustment, clutch pedal

Question
Hi Howard,

I have a 1966 TR4A. The clutch is operating fine although it is engaging rather high on the pedal.  Plus, it has been about 6K miles since it was last adjusted.

Step 1, according to the manual, states "Slacken the nut and unscrew the pushrod until all clearance between the pushrod and the cupped end of the operating piston (inside the slave cylinder) is taken up."

What in the world does that mean?

Or should I just use trial & error until the clutch uptake feels about right on the pedal?

Thanks

Bob

Answer
Hi Bob,
They are taking most of the free play out of the clutch that way. If your clutch pedal is engaging the drive close to the top and you have an inch to an inch and a half free play in the pedal, you really don't need to adjust it any. When you have a proper free play in the pedal and the clutch engages close to the top it is an indication that the disk is smooth and flat and the pressure plate is releasing squarely.
This is something TR-6 and Spitfire owners wish they had as many of them have the opposite. (a pedal that engages just off of the floor)
I don't like to take all of the slack out because that can put a load on the slave cylinder rod and hold the clutch slightly disengaged when heat changes the clearance and when there is a slight movement in the crankshaft due to thrust bearing ware. I like to judge it by free play at the pedal.
Howard