Clutch Pedal sticks to floor

[clarkedj]

MY son and I have a 1978 Spider 1800. I had tightened the clutch cable a couple of months ago to bring up the clutch pedal and all was fine. We seem to be having a problem every now and then with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor. When you pull it back up with your foot it seems to work alright. Any ideas on what is causing the pedal to occasionally stick. The clutch seems to have a lot of resistance now.

[manoa matt]

The pedal forks that hold the cable are probably failing and starting to bend over causing the cable to bind. You can take the pedal out, straighten it out and weld in a support piece so it does not do it again.

Also check that you have the pedal return springs. There is one big one attached to the pedal and one at the trans attached to the clutch fork.

[pope]

I dont know how old that clutch cable is, but make sure that it is not binding within the rubber covering.

[mbouse]

and, be sure that the firewall has not cracked and the cable is binding inside the crack...

[clarkedj]

Follow up to original post. Thanks for all the advice check into binding and fork rigidity and all looks good. What seems to work is if I spray WD40 or some lubricant on the top of the pedal the movement is free and clear. I prefer not to take the pedal assembly apart as I may not get it back together. Is there a nylon/metal sleeve that acts as a pedal shaft that could be filled with 30 years of dirt and scum? Look for additional thoughts.

Thanks

Ed Clark

[manoa matt]

yes, the grease could be sticky. Its not difficult to dissassemble the pedal box to clean and lube everything. The hardest part is getting the clutch return spring back on. I used a loop of roap around the "S" hook to pull the spring to where I could guide the S hook on with the other hand.

[clarkedj]

Started to remove the pedal system yesterday and was in the process of placing pennies between the spring coils to lengthen the spring for easier removal. I got about 2/3 of the way down the spring and I noticed that the clutch pedal was riding higher. After pushing on the pedal a couple of times it no longer stuck to the floor. I think I may be dealing with a 30 year old spring that is sprung or at least does not have enough tension. Any suggestions on removing the old spring and putting on the new. I like the idea of a rope but are there others. I was thinking of getting a spring spreader but not sure if they make one heavy enough.

Thanks

Ed