Saab 96 - Additional Features and Important Notes; Optional Extras and Heater System

Optional Extras for the Saab 96
The Automatic Clutch, "Sax-O-Mat"
The "Sax-O-Mat" clutch is available as an optional extra for the
Saab 96. As its installation affects the design of the power unit, this
operation is performed on the assembly line.
The "Sax-O-Mat" consists mainly of two independent systems, the
centrifugal clutch and the servo clutch. Thus the clutch pedal is
superfluous as the clutch is disengaged automatically whenever the
accelerator is released or the gear shift lever is touched. Should it
be necessary to drive with slipping clutch, this is possible by operat
ing the accelerator very gently.
The centrifugal clutch is installed in the flywheel and its function
is entirely dependent upon the engine speed. At an rpm lower than
1,000 the clutch is released but as the engine speed increases the
flyweights are thrown out and the clutch begins to slip. At engine
speeds above 1,800 rpm maximum clutch pressure is obtained.
The Servo clutch is operated by the vacuum generated in the inlet
manifold when the accelerator is released. The hose connection be
tween the servomotor and inlet manifold passes via the electromag
netic control valve, the operation of which is controlled by the gear
shift lever.
When touching the gear shift lever, the control valve is opened
and the servo cylinder immediately starts to work if the accelerator
is released. The motion of the servo cylinder diaphragm is trans
mitted via the servo cylinder rod and the clutch lever to the release
bearing. The clutch is disengaged so quickly that no resistance at
all is noticeable in the gear shift lever. As soon as the lever is releas
ed, the control valve is closed and the clutch pressure increases as
the vacuum in the servo cylinder is gradually decreasing. By press
ing down the accelerator immediately after releasing the gear shift
lever, the maximum clutch pressure will be obtained almost instantly.
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