Clutch Problem
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 104
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From: Tustin, CA
Clutch Problem
The vehicle: 1985 F150 2WD lwb 300 l6 4sp od
Initially I thought it was just my imagination, but now I think I have a problem of some kind with my clutch. The clutch is generally quite heavy (compared to my car) and of late I've been thinking it's been somewhat light. I assumed this was just my imagination but now sometimes when I release the clutch pedal the pedal releases nearly completely but it stops just beforehand. I can lift lightly from underneath with my foot and it will easily release the rest of the way. The truck seems to shift fine but I'm thinking I must have some kind problem, I just don't know what.
I don't know if this is related, but I also recently started hearing a new rattle which (according to the ear-o-meter) seems to be coming from underneath the driver's seat.
Any thoughts on what I should start looking into first?
Initially I thought it was just my imagination, but now I think I have a problem of some kind with my clutch. The clutch is generally quite heavy (compared to my car) and of late I've been thinking it's been somewhat light. I assumed this was just my imagination but now sometimes when I release the clutch pedal the pedal releases nearly completely but it stops just beforehand. I can lift lightly from underneath with my foot and it will easily release the rest of the way. The truck seems to shift fine but I'm thinking I must have some kind problem, I just don't know what.
I don't know if this is related, but I also recently started hearing a new rattle which (according to the ear-o-meter) seems to be coming from underneath the driver's seat.
Any thoughts on what I should start looking into first?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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'80s firewalls were prone to flex, rust and cracking. If it's flexing enough, it will cause a bind in the linkage parts of the set up, or misalignment in the master bore. Either could lead to a stiff clutch and clutch that hangs up.
Have someone look at the firewall as you work the clutch.
Have someone look at the firewall as you work the clutch.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Tustin, CA
Since I didn't even think about the firewall flex before you guys mentioned it (thanks btw) I did a bit of reading in this (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ll-cracks.html) thread and it stated there are multiple plate sizes to address this. I would really prefer to use the small plate if I can get away with it since it requires far less be removed in order to install it. The part number listed in the thread was E3TZ-7K509-A and I found it a couple of places online under $20. Much better than I expected. I will try looking at the firewall as the thread described tomorrow sometime. I hope the small plate solves my problem.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 104
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From: Tustin, CA
I know it's been awhile, but I have the solution so I thought I'd update the information contained herein. Turns out it was a broken pressure plate on a relatively young clutch, about 47000 miles old. The last mechanic to touch the truck before I got it did a bunch of shoddy work including on the clutch. A new clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing solved the problem. While the tranny was out, my mechanic (I use him when a job is too big to do at my apartment) replaced the oil pan gasket and the rear main seal to address a mean oil leak that recently developed.
Regarding firewall flex, it does flex a little, but not much. A previous owner added a small homemade plate at some point.
Regarding firewall flex, it does flex a little, but not much. A previous owner added a small homemade plate at some point.
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