Clutch slipping
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
Clutch slipping
I can't go 3 days without having issues on this truck...
The clutch is slipping. It's a South Bend something something organic, 400 HP version with less than 10k miles on it. I was told by South Bend that it is rated at 400 WHP with a 15,000 lb load in tow. I haven't come near either of those and have only towed with it once recently. First time it slipped was pulling up a grade with maybe 7k lbs trailer weight and 2k in the bed. I don't launch the truck... it shouldn't be bad...
Without opening it up, is it a safe assumption that this could be due to oil leaking down from they valley? I did just have some major leaks with the HPOP removal and currently have a fuel leak back there. None of the leaks were present for long, but I imagine it does not take much to ruin a clutch.
Have valley leaks been a documented reason for clutch failure on other 7.3s?
The clutch is slipping. It's a South Bend something something organic, 400 HP version with less than 10k miles on it. I was told by South Bend that it is rated at 400 WHP with a 15,000 lb load in tow. I haven't come near either of those and have only towed with it once recently. First time it slipped was pulling up a grade with maybe 7k lbs trailer weight and 2k in the bed. I don't launch the truck... it shouldn't be bad...
Without opening it up, is it a safe assumption that this could be due to oil leaking down from they valley? I did just have some major leaks with the HPOP removal and currently have a fuel leak back there. None of the leaks were present for long, but I imagine it does not take much to ruin a clutch.
Have valley leaks been a documented reason for clutch failure on other 7.3s?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
I found an account of someone being able to clean it and stop slippage with brake cleaner. Apparently he opened the inspection port and doused it with Brake Kleen while someone hit the starter (with something disabling the engine from starting)... after a couple days, presumably once it dried out, the slipping stopped.
Long read.... but I am going to try this first...
Fuel Leak caused clutch problem - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com
Long read.... but I am going to try this first...
Fuel Leak caused clutch problem - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,348
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
Your assumption that the clutch friction surface could be contaminated is a good assumption of what is going on.
I have the 1939-OHD and it is flawless (knock on wood). I have towed 12K lbs thousands of miles and it does very well.
I am sure you have seen it, but when I had my clutch replaced by SkySkiJason he installed a copper tube from the valley drain down to the bottom of the case in order to prevent future contamination.
I have the 1939-OHD and it is flawless (knock on wood). I have towed 12K lbs thousands of miles and it does very well.
I am sure you have seen it, but when I had my clutch replaced by SkySkiJason he installed a copper tube from the valley drain down to the bottom of the case in order to prevent future contamination.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
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Thanks Sous. I'd have put that tube in but my clutch was a rush job along with a tranny rebuild long ago, a shop did all the work.
I would like to slap the engineer that designed it this way initially...
I would like to slap the engineer that designed it this way initially...
Last edited by Stewart_H; May 10, 2018 at 12:26 PM. Reason: As Cap said, "language"
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,348
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
I agree with the physical assault of the engineer.
I understand about the clutch install too. Jason did this mod as a surprise to us and we were very grateful for his efforts. We tipped him handsomely for his work because he also squeezed us in between much higher paying projects.
The SB clutch we now have has been rock solid and performing great.
I understand about the clutch install too. Jason did this mod as a surprise to us and we were very grateful for his efforts. We tipped him handsomely for his work because he also squeezed us in between much higher paying projects.
The SB clutch we now have has been rock solid and performing great.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 73
From: Staunton, VA
I'd definitely say something's on the faces of your clutch. I have the same one that you have, and it held fine when I was grossing 21k hauling rock a couple weeks ago. If you can get it, I'd suggest ID Red - stuff is like carb cleaner on crack.
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