clutch firewall flex

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Sep 29, 2000 | 06:50 PM

alyoung

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clutch firewall flex

I have a 1988 F150 and have noticed that I am having a hard time starting the engine unless I press the clutch down very far. I have also been having difficulty engaging the gears unless I press the clutch very far down. I have noticed that the firewall area where the clutch cylinder is located flexes. I assume that the pinch welds have failed in the firewall area. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to fix this? Is there a kit? The simpler the fix would obviously be the better. Thank you for your input. I have learned alot from the replies that have been posted.

Sep 29, 2000 | 10:39 PM

PAUL_2

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clutch firewall flex

Your problem is a fairly common one . Its been less than a month since someone posted the exact same problem . I believe what they did was weld or bolt a steel plate in the area that flexes to strengthen it . If you search back thru the threads for Aug Im sure you will find exactly how the problem was repaired .

Sep 30, 2000 | 09:19 AM

rsmith

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clutch firewall flex

I have a 1988 Ford F 250 and what happened with me truck was that the pedal bracket broke. Ford sells a repair kit for the firewall flex problem but check the bracket also. You want to remove everything only once. Good luck and I hope this was some help.

Oct 1, 2000 | 07:44 PM

roscoe

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clutch firewall flex

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 01-Oct-00 AT 08:46 PM (EST)[/font][p]Had this happen on my 85 250 (of course) which caused the clutch to not fully disengage. If you check the NHTSA site, you'll find several complaints about this. I used some large washers to correct the problem but sheet metal would be a better solution. Another engineering marvel brought to you by Ford. After seven Fords and 18 years, I'm starting to think of going over to the dark side....

Oct 2, 2000 | 10:41 PM

alyoung

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clutch firewall flex

Thanks for the reference. I found the thread but I have a question. Am I incorrect to assume that this plate should be bolted on the inside cab portion of the firewall as opposed to the engine compartment side? How large should this plate be and how thick should this plate be? Thanks for the input.

Oct 2, 2000 | 10:43 PM

alyoung

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clutch firewall flex

Does anyone have the part number for this kit sold by Ford for the firewall flex? Thanks

Oct 3, 2000 | 09:51 AM

ollie

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clutch firewall flex

Service Bulletin Number: 90167
Bulletin Sequence Number: 036
Date of Bulletin: 9008
NHTSA Item Number: SB017156
Make: FORD TRUCK
Model: F150
Year: 1988
Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:INSTRUMENT PANEL:MATERIAL AND PADDING
Summary: CRACKS-DASH(ENGINE COMPARTMENT BULKHEAD)IN CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AREA-CAUSING HIGH EFFORT ON CLUTCH-INSPECT TRUCK, IF NECESSARY USE SERVICE PROCEDURES TO INST ALL REINFORCEMENT KIT-ALL 1984-90 FORD BRONCO/F150,250,350 & 1988-90 F SUPER DUT Y TRUCKS DG