clutch or linkage problem?

Sounds like you might have play in the linkage. Check the trunnion bearing and all the linkage knuckle bolts are tight.

Good suggestion, thank you!

Be sure to pop the ashtray out and check that knuckle. That one has come loose a couple of times on me.
Mooso

Thank you, I plan to spend some time on this
problem over the weekend and appreciate your
input. I feel it has to be something like that becuase it's a new clutch and doesn't slip.

Although it is not the cure for your specific problem, you need to change your clutch fluid. The fluid same as brake fluid will absorb moisture over time. Next, is rusting in the cylinder bores and eventual seal failure.

I neglected mine for years and paid the price when the master failed with no warning. Flushing is easy with a brake bleeder. I now change the fluid out annually.

Thanks for the suggestion, I was surprised at how dirty the fluid was anyway. Anyone know how to adjust the clutch linkage? All the joints are tight and seem to be in order, however, the clutch grabs off the floor and I feel that is my problem ( not enough clutch )getting into 1st and reverse at an intersection.
Thanks to all with your help, it's really nice
having that kind of support.

Mike, mine started doing the same thing this weekend at Pocono. It doesen't want to go into reverse or first gear when the car is hot. After it cools down a little it shifts fine. I suspect the problem is the adjustment on the clutch linkage. If you solve the problem please post the fix.
Thank you
Richard T.

If may be easier if you do a search on this BB. You will find many references to clutch linkage adjustment and things to look for.

RichardT,
That pretty much is what happened to me too, it was a hot day ( 90's at the coast ) heavy traffic, when mine did the same thing. At home in the garage when cool, I had no problem shifting into 1st or reverse. I'll check with Jerry at P.I. Motors and see what he says.
Whatever I learn or discover, I will get back to this forum. Thanks, Mike B

Hi RichardT,

Juist talked with Jerry at P.I. Motors and he said to adjust the rod from the clutch pedal to the slave ( under the dash ) and can be done with a pair of plyers after loosening the nut.
He said this is common and will solve the issue we are dealing with. I'll do mine and let you know how it worked. Good luck on yours!
Mike B

To everyone interested in clutch adjustment and
the necessary free play, go to www.panteraplace.com/page124.htm for a great article outlineing the steps to take.
On my car it didn't take much adjustment to get
the ZF to shift into reverse and first easily.
The key seems to be, making only a small adjustment. I went too far and made things worse, went too far the other way and the clutch slipped!!!! I feel pretty good about the current adjustment and the shifting is smooth again. Hope this helps RichardT and anybody else that deals with this issue.

Well, I have adjusted the clutch and while cool it works very well, however, as soon as there is heat in the clutch, my problem comes back.In talking with Tommy ( he was at Hall Pantera for 20 years ) he feels it is a weak slave piston
seal that is not allowing the clutch to fully engage. I did check and if you pump the clutch a couple times, it will go in 1st from a dead stop. Sooo, off to Tommy's shop we go. I'll let you all know how that goes.