clutch problems/shifting problems

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 25, 2013 | 05:41 PM

muddyoldford

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

clutch problems/shifting problems

I have an 86 f150 with a manual 4 speed tranny. I'm have trouble putting the truck into gear I really have to push the shifter to get it to go into gear. Almost like the clutch isn't engaging all the way. Is it my slave cylinder or the clutch itself that is causing the problem?

Feb 25, 2013 | 08:29 PM

Galendor

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 1,251

Likes: 8

From: North Carolina

To determine if it is the slave cylinder's fault, first check if the slave is loose in its mount (it should not be). If it is secure, then you can measure the distance of movement of the slave cylinder pushrod when an assistant pushes in the clutch pedal in the cab. Just a ruler held steady against the mechanism works well (you can measure the movement of the clutch fork lever that the slave cylinder pushrod pushes against). This distance is supposed to be 10mm or greater, if memory serves (the actual number can be checked in a Haynes manual or Ford service manual).

If the slave cylinder checks out fine, then you might check to see if the firewall where the clutch master cylinder attaches is flexing/moving. This was a problem with these trucks and Ford made repair plates to fix this problem. Read this thread for more information on this possibility: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ex-repair.html

Feb 26, 2013 | 08:07 AM

86fordtruck

More Turbo

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 731

Likes: 6

From: Jonesborough, TN

First thing I would do would be to check the firewall for flexing and for cracks. the cracks can hide behind the seam sealer as you can see in the pictures in this thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-cylinder.html

If the firewall is flexing or cracked, it will prevent the master cylinder from being fully engaged, and thus prevent the slave cylinder from fully extending. I don't believe the firewall reinforcement panels are available from Ford anymore. The aftermarket supplier, Terrapin Manufacturing, should be back up and running sometime this spring, which isn't to far away.

Good luck.

Feb 26, 2013 | 08:48 AM

ctubutis

Moderator

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 22,415

Likes: 92

From: Denver Metro Area, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86fordtruck

I added your HOWTO thread to the Sticky, it replaced the one from FSB that doesn't seem to be available anymore.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - '80-'86 Tech Tips, Tricks and Projects:

It won't let me rep ya, though

Mar 13, 2013 | 08:43 AM

muddyoldford

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

Thanks everyone but Ive replaced the slave cylender and it seems that my clutch is bad

thanks for your help though.

Mar 13, 2013 | 02:22 PM

1983F1503004x4

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 1,916

Likes: 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddyoldford

Thanks everyone but Ive replaced the slave cylender and it seems that my clutch is bad

thanks for your help though.

You need to make double sure that the firewall isn't cracked. The cracks aren't visible just by looking at it, you'll have to have someone press the clutch to the floor while you look at the Clutch Master Cylinder in the engine bay. If it's cracked, it'll flex big time.

I'd hate to pay money for a clutch and have someone tear all my junk apart and put it back together only to find out it was a cracked piece of sheet metal.