Clutch issue
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: Tx
Clutch issue
So I know this question has been posted a lot but I’m lost now.
I daily drive a 84 F250 with a 6.9 paired to a T19 and a few weeks ago I blew the belt that drove the Alternator which caused my brakes to get stiff. Since then I’ve had clutch issues like it’s not disengaging properly it’ll grind reverse and won’t go in any gear now when running. Yesterday when I was leaving work I put it in reverse before I started it since I knew i couldn’t get it in after it started and it moved
when I bumped the key I ended up managing to get it home and once I pulled in the drive I couldn’t get it in gear. I’ve tried bleeding the clutch all day and nothing but the same results. If I pump it a bunch with the cap of the clutch master cylinder it’ll go in gear smoothly while running. But can’t get it to bleed or function correctly with everything together any advice? It still moves if I have it in gear when starting.
Oh and the clutch has been super spongy it got really stiff one day when I was clutching a lot but since then has been a nightmare
I daily drive a 84 F250 with a 6.9 paired to a T19 and a few weeks ago I blew the belt that drove the Alternator which caused my brakes to get stiff. Since then I’ve had clutch issues like it’s not disengaging properly it’ll grind reverse and won’t go in any gear now when running. Yesterday when I was leaving work I put it in reverse before I started it since I knew i couldn’t get it in after it started and it moved
when I bumped the key I ended up managing to get it home and once I pulled in the drive I couldn’t get it in gear. I’ve tried bleeding the clutch all day and nothing but the same results. If I pump it a bunch with the cap of the clutch master cylinder it’ll go in gear smoothly while running. But can’t get it to bleed or function correctly with everything together any advice? It still moves if I have it in gear when starting.
Oh and the clutch has been super spongy it got really stiff one day when I was clutching a lot but since then has been a nightmare
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From: Virginia
Take a pencil or some other object and poke it down in the clutch master fluid. You may be surprised to find the pencil doesn't go all the way to the bottom. There is a rubber cap that is supposed to be in the bottom of the cap, but it get's stuck on top of the reservoir and you cant see it. You fill it with fluid, but below in the reservoir its dry. It's very easy for this to happen, got me once also.
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Junior User
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From: Tx
Take a pencil or some other object and poke it down in the clutch master fluid. You may be surprised to find the pencil doesn't go all the way to the bottom. There is a rubber cap that is supposed to be in the bottom of the cap, but it get's stuck on top of the reservoir and you cant see it. You fill it with fluid, but below in the reservoir its dry. It's very easy for this to happen, got me once also.
Are you talking about a little rubber thing that kinda looks like this? I’ve pulled that out and even felt around in the bottom of the reservoir and it seemed all good nothing blocked or debris there.
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From: Virginia
That's it. Looks like you took care of that problem.
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From: Tx
my firewall does flex when pushing the pedal down but I don’t see any cracks maybe I need to clean it up a bit and hit it with a flash light. If there’s any flexing at all that means there’s a crack?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Here's the repair bracket you can buy if that gives you some clues. https://shop.broncograveyard.com/83-...RoClWoQAvD_BwE
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Lead Driver
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Good question. I don't know if a small amount is considered acceptable. Certainly less is better.
Nice write-up here on how to install the plate:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...made-easy.html
Nice write-up here on how to install the plate:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...made-easy.html
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Lead Driver
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Observe the master cylinder while an assistant depresses the clutch. Any more than 1/8" would indicate a crack could be developing. It takes time to see the firewall peel out but by then the movement can be inches. You are not disengaging the clutch when the master keeps moving away from the stroke of the adjustment rod.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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If there are no leaks and you are not leaking any fluid, the firewall flex is likely your issue. Anyone getting a hydraulic clutch truck and it isn't cracked do yourself a favor and install the reinforcement plate now. It's really only a matter of time.
Lead Driver
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Looks like it’s time for that repair plate.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: Tx
I’m about to order the plate now. I appreciate y’all’s help and will keep y’all updated on how it goes and if that fixes my issue, fingers crossed.
Lead Driver
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This issue shows up on the bullnose trucks at different mileages. One guy reported 40,000 miles was all he got before firewall failure occurred. For me it was around 200,000 miles. The 40k mile truck was driven locally with lots of stop and go. My mileage was mostly highway, so less cycling of the clutch system per mile.
A good rule of thumb I'd say is that if you are replacing your clutch master cylinder for the first time that's a good time to add the reinforcement plate to your parts list and do both at the same time.
How many miles on your truck?
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: Tx
There are a couple different reinforcement brackets out there. Ford produced one with a Ford part number even. Take a look around and see what's out there for an off the shelf fix.
This issue shows up on the bullnose trucks at different mileages. One guy reported 40,000 miles was all he got before firewall failure occurred. For me it was around 200,000 miles. The 40k mile truck was driven locally with lots of stop and go. My mileage was mostly highway, so less cycling of the clutch system per mile.
A good rule of thumb I'd say is that if you are replacing your clutch master cylinder for the first time that's a good time to add the reinforcement plate to your parts list and do both at the same time.
How many miles on your truck?
This issue shows up on the bullnose trucks at different mileages. One guy reported 40,000 miles was all he got before firewall failure occurred. For me it was around 200,000 miles. The 40k mile truck was driven locally with lots of stop and go. My mileage was mostly highway, so less cycling of the clutch system per mile.
A good rule of thumb I'd say is that if you are replacing your clutch master cylinder for the first time that's a good time to add the reinforcement plate to your parts list and do both at the same time.
How many miles on your truck?
the clutch master cylinder is relatively new. Mileage I stopped counting😂 the odometer quit a while ago so I couldn’t tell you. It was mainly used as a farm truck then I started daily driving it and this would be my 2nd year daily driving the ol truck.
i went ahead and order this one
https://shop.broncograveyard.com/mobile/83-91-Ford-Bronco-Ford-Truck-Firewall-Clutch-Repair-Bracket/productinfo/34010/