One more clutch cable possibility , I was given a 82 wagon a few years ago , because after installing a new clutch and cable , the guy forgot to reconnect a ground wire from the body to the motor . VIP ! the car used the clutch cable as a ground - it melted and started a fire that did enough damage to send it to the scrap yard , after i grabbed a few parts . Anybody ever heard of this before ? thanks , all the best , Murph