Just slapped my engine back on, new release bearing, fresh 200mm clutch disk, all aligned up properly. Before the engine was fitted, the clutch release bearing and lever moved great with no concerns.

I fitted it twice with this interesting phenomenon to see if i could solve it. I haven't tried via foot pedal yet, but when i try to budge the clutch release lever to "Trial" release the clutch, the thing will move like a couple mm's and then nuffin. goes rock hard. I put a small ring spanner over the lever to have a bit more leverage, but is it suppose to be naturally crazily stiff.

I even put my foot up over the engine and box to try and shove it, no luck. although i didn't try too crazy cause i didn't wanna break anything.

Is it naturally this stiff? i thought maybe the disk was the wrong way around, but i disassembled and it won't fit in any other way. Pressure plate looks great, all fiingers intact.

Maybe theres alot more force involved with a foot on a pedal instead... If thats the case, the poor clutch cable must go through a bit...

NOTE: its a 1600 irs 3 rib kombi box, and a 1600 tp engine (originally from a square back 72' type 3). The pressure plate was from the type 3, and i reused it cause it looked great. maybe being a heavy car, it was a heavy duty and hence why it maintains clutch engagement pressure like a psyko...

its all in the leverage of the pedal well its a hell of a lot longer than the release arm

yep all about mechanical advantage and they have a pretty hefty spring on them too

THanks guys! I will slap the pedals back on and give it a crack ay!