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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Flywheel inspection

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Old Mar 16, 2021 | 06:57 PM
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Flywheel inspection

Am I able to inspect the the flywheel and clutch through the hole my starter would mount up to in my 1981 F250 with the 400 and a speed.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2021 | 07:25 PM
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You can see the teeth of the flywheel if you turn the engine by hand. But not much of the clutch.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2021 | 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Franklin2
You can see the teeth of the flywheel if you turn the engine by hand. But not much of the clutch.
These are the pics I got but how would I be able to view more of the clutch I was mostly looking for metal chunks and savings but I’d still like to see the truck more.




 
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Old Mar 17, 2021 | 08:16 AM
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Put a index mark on that spot and rotate the crankshaft by hand and check each area you can see through that hole.

Some vehicles have an inspection cover that can be removed behind the oil pan on the front of the bellhousing.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2021 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by uuuhCharlie
These are the pics I got but how would I be able to view more of the clutch I was mostly looking for metal chunks and savings but I’d still like to see the truck more.
I looked your truck up, it looks like the 351m/400 bellhousings are all enclosed. Most of the others have a nice big sheetmetal pan on the bottom you can take off and look up in there. But apparently you have one of the ones that does not have the pan. Sometimes you just can't see certain things. If it performs ok, then go with it.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2021 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Franklin2
I looked your truck up, it looks like the 351m/400 bellhousings are all enclosed. Most of the others have a nice big sheetmetal pan on the bottom you can take off and look up in there. But apparently you have one of the ones that does not have the pan. Sometimes you just can't see certain things. If it performs ok, then go with it.
It does not preform okay I’m at the last of my clutch adjustment and all I can do is crawl forward very slowly so I’m probably gonna have to bite the bullet and replace the clutch and pressure plate. Flywheel should be good there was no shavings in there that I saw.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 12:50 AM
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I have never seen shavings unless the clutch disc or PP came apart.
on the flywheel once apart look for bluing and heat cracks.
Dave. ---'
 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by uuuhCharlie
Am I able to inspect the the flywheel and clutch through the hole my starter would mount up to in my 1981 F250 with the 400 and a speed.
If the clutch has grooves in the facing and the grooves are no longer present on the edge of the clutch it's time to replace. And the grooves are still present on yours.
And really unless the clutch is slipping under normal use there is no need to replace it. If it slips replace it. Clutches typically do not just fail and give lots of warning they are on their way out.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by matthewq4b
If the clutch has grooves in the facing and the grooves are no longer present on the edge of the clutch it's time to replace. And the grooves are still present on yours.
And really unless the clutch is slipping under normal use there is no need to replace it. If it slips replace it. Clutches typically do not just fail and give lots of warning they are on their way out.
Its been grinding going into gear. And I had to adjust it about a week ago and then it went out again what else could that be?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by matthewq4b
If the clutch has grooves in the facing and the grooves are no longer present on the edge of the clutch it's time to replace. And the grooves are still present on yours.
And really unless the clutch is slipping under normal use there is no need to replace it. If it slips replace it. Clutches typically do not just fail and give lots of warning they are on their way out.
And like At the moment all the truck can do is slowly crawl forward with the clutch all the way out and even giving it some gas in first and second.(It’s granny low) and reverse.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 10:20 AM
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These, https://www.google.com/search?q=sync...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Sounds like yours may be worn ? Does it grind going into all gears or just one gear?

What are you using for fluid in the tranny ? Is the level at the correct level ?

The way to test the clutch for slipping is, in top gear, when you push hard on the gas pedal does the engine rev and the truck not seem to accelerate ?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Max Capacity
These, https://www.google.com/search?q=sync...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Sounds like yours may be worn ? Does it grind going into all gears or just one gear?

What are you using for fluid in the tranny ? Is the level at the correct level ?

The way to test the clutch for slipping is, in top gear, when you push hard on the gas pedal does the engine rev and the truck not seem to accelerate ?
it only had trouble getting into 1st gear occasionally everything felt great I parked it went to move it the next day had to adjust the clutch and it drove great a week later it does the same thing and now I’m out of adjustment space.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by uuuhCharlie
And like At the moment all the truck can do is slowly crawl forward with the clutch all the way out and even giving it some gas in first and second.(It’s granny low) and reverse.
But by the sounds of it, you are due for a new clutch. Make sure the pedal is adjusted so you have the required free play if it is still slipping replace it if you are out of adjustment for pedal free play your clutch is worn out and replace it. If it is slipping in first after being adjusted that clutch is finished park it and do the clutch. Driving it like that will only damage the flywheel beyond the point of being able to be reused.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 11:36 AM
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Have to agree, its time for a new clutch and to resurface the FW. Might be a good time to change the tranny fluid too. Oh, grease the U joints also... should I go on...?

 
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Old Mar 18, 2021 | 11:55 AM
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https://www.google.com/search?q=clut...hrome&ie=UTF-8

There's a google search for you so you have a idea of clutch prices.

Is this something your going to replace or pay the man ?
 
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