Adjusting slave cylinder to smoothen 1st-2nd and 3rd-2nd shifts

[Compelica]

I came across this post on Minkara (a Japanese automotive blogging platform) and noticed that many 86 owners were advocating this easy tip of reducing difficulty of shifting from 1st to 2nd, and similarly downshifting from 3rd to 2nd.

What is needed to be done is that you will have to loosen the two 14mm bolts holding the slave cylinder, and push it towards the clutch fork which would result in the slave cylinder moving 1-2mm closer to the firewall. Apparently many owners in Japan have did this adjustment with a positive amount of success.

Link to one of the blogs here: https://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid...0983/note.aspx (in Japanese, use translate)

Now about the why... I'm not really sure. Having the pushrod closer to the fork means that you get 'more' clutch disengagement when you step on the clutch pedal. No idea if there would be any premature wear involved though.

Thoughts anyone?

[Irace86.2.0]

It is probably simpler to adjust the clutch pedal

[Ultramaroon]

Nope. Grab the top of the fork and pull it towards the slave cylinder. Sinks right in. Self adjusting.

[Compelica]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Nope. Grab the top of the fork and pull it towards the slave cylinder. Sinks right in. Self adjusting.

Ah. Is there a mechanism that prevents the pushrod from extending too far, eg. the clutch fork is already at its maximum travel and to prevent the pushrod from damaging the fork?

[Compelica]

Aha, finally got it on how it works, and why it wouldn't work:

https://www.mr2oc.com/threads/extend...source.472193/

Carry on, gents.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Compelica

Ah. Is there a mechanism that prevents the pushrod from extending too far, eg. the clutch fork is already at its maximum travel and to prevent the pushrod from damaging the fork?

Saw your follow-up but this still bears clarification. With the clutch pedal at rest, fluid flows freely between the slave cylinder and the reservoir. There is a small spring inside the slave cylinder. It pushes the piston outward so the TOB always rests gently against the pressure plate fingers. This is the self-adjustment.

The slave cylinder is much longer than needed for normal operation. If the piston was ever ejected, it could only be due to failure of the downstream mechanism.