I sprung a leak in the fuel lines under the HPOP. Fixed it up and on the test drive the other hose sprung a leak. The end result is that with all that fuel oil flooding the galley the clutch got soaked, twice. After things got running again the clutch was slipping badly. However, it seems to be getting progressively better.
My question is, will the clutch eventually dry out completely? Can I ever trust it again to tow a large 5th wheel trailer?
If the consensus is no, then it obviously needs to be replaced. The engine has minor mods (K&N air intake, Beans Diesel injectors one step up from stock). I don't think I need to splurge on a Great Neck clutch assembly with these relatively minor HP mods. I went to NAPA Autoparts to order a replacement and their parts system had options for single and multi part flywheels in the same model year with the same VIN code. The flywheel was replaced by the dealer (it's a long story) so I'm assuming it was done with the same flywheel that came stock.
The truck is a 1994.5 Powerstroke with a 5 speed manual tranny. The 8th digit of the VIN is "F". A correct NAPA part number would be great.

By the way, be proud. You guys have an awesome forum here with lots of true pros who like to help.

 

Welcome to the forum! I guess, I should say welcome, but you've been a member longer than I have. Wow, only 23 posts since 2007! That takes more restraint than I have!

Anyway about your issue, I don't think I would trust that clutch. I am not going to say that it won't dry out and work, but if you're towing weights like a big 5'er I would just spring for a new clutch. That's my $.02 anyway.

As far as the flywheel goes, I am guessing you have a 2 piece (dual mass) flywheel. What you can do to verify is to pull the inspection cover on the bottom of the transmission and take a gander at the flywheel. If you have a dual mass flywheel you will see that it is two defined separate pieces with a small space between them. You may even get the pieces to move slightly independent of each other. I should mention though that if you do indeed still have a DMF (Dual Mass Flywheel) you should consider replacing it with a single piece unit. The DMF's are a ticking bomb. They have springs and bearings in them to help isolate vibrations and suppress noise, but they have a nasty habit of coming apart and ruining things (including the transmission bell housing, which can end up cracked or broken). A Solid flywheel will produce a little more noise (gear rollover) but it is a bulletproof solution to the problem. Also, I would recommend you look into a Valair clutch. A lot of guys on here run them and even to replace a stock unit they are an economical upgrade.

Lastly, and this is indeed some unsolicited advice, I would recommend you lose that K&N filter. They don't filter well enough for these diesels and can let too much dust through and dust your turbo. Go to your NAPA guy and ask him for a 6637 air filter. It will install right in place of that K&N, flow a lot more air, and filter a lot better.

I am sure others will be along shortly, and hopefully they will give you some more specific first hand advice, but that's my $.02 on the subject.

Edit: Here, I found a picture of a DMF for reference.

 

skip napa for the filter. get it from Clay at riffraff for $29, compared to $65 at napa.
Riffraff Diesel: 6637 Replacement Filter

as far as the clutch goes, i would skip buying a clutch at napa too. go with a LUK single mass kit for around $540 from Dial -a-clutch compared to over $1,000 for a dual mass setup.
07-154TFW - Ford Powerstroke Clutch & Solid Flywheel

if you search further you may be able to find a LUK setup even cheaper.

 

All good advice! I wouldn't trust the clutch either, especially towing. Replace it and go with a solid flywheel, and ditch the K&N for a 6637!

 

Sorry for the delayed thanks. I've been on vacation with the family. After seeing the picture of the dual mass flywheel and pulling the inspection plate it's clear I have a solid flywheel.

That said, what's your recommendation for a good clutch for a truck with stock power?

 

Talk to these guys

Performance Clutch - Ford PowerStroke

 

Thought I'd share an update.

As I mentioned, the clutch seemed to be getting better over time. When it reached the point that I could accelerate under full throttle without any slipping I took the trailer out for a test drive. That went fine with no ill effects to be found.

Last weekend I towed the trailer from LA to Palm Springs and back, a route that includes long grades in both directions, and everything worked flawlessly.

Thanks for the advice. I'm also looking to change the air filter as recommended but the replacement is too long to fit into the K&N housing. Do you guys just ditch the housing?

 

no, we do not use that K&N garbage. they "dust" the turbo, ruining it. use a GOOD air filter like the 6637.

 

Yeah, you will likely have to ditch the housing. The kit from Riffraff comes with a "sock" that slips over the filter as a prefilter, but a lot of guys just run the open element too. Here is a picture so you can see what it looks like.

 

If it was just fuel on the clutch it will progressively get better, but it reduces the overall longevity of the clutch itself.

Oil is what will ruin the clutch.