clutch acting up
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clutch acting up
On my ford f350 with the zf5 trans, ive noticed that it seems like every time I get in my truck, the clutch pedal engages closer and closer to the floor. When I started driving the truck full time a month ago, it engaged a few inches off the floor. Now, as soon as you move your foot, it starts grabbing. Ive even noticed that the truck will creep forward in first gear in low range with my foot completely to the floor. Whats going on here?
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
You're saying your '89's clutch won't completely dis-engage?
If so (and you've checked the fluid level) look for wear in the pedal support where the pivot shaft passes through, and also the plastic bushing that connects the bell crank to the clutch master cylinder pushrod "eye".
One other issue I've had w/ my truck of this bodystyle is that the firewall flexes and tears where the clutch master cyl. attaches. This is easy to see if you watch from under the hood while someone else depresses the clutch.
(so common that Ford offered two different firewall reinforcement kits and issued TSA's on it)
User 'Tremclad' posted some excellent photos of his installation of the large reinforcement kit last year.
I think the thread was titled "Frankenstein drivetrain issues"
If so (and you've checked the fluid level) look for wear in the pedal support where the pivot shaft passes through, and also the plastic bushing that connects the bell crank to the clutch master cylinder pushrod "eye".
One other issue I've had w/ my truck of this bodystyle is that the firewall flexes and tears where the clutch master cyl. attaches. This is easy to see if you watch from under the hood while someone else depresses the clutch.
(so common that Ford offered two different firewall reinforcement kits and issued TSA's on it)
User 'Tremclad' posted some excellent photos of his installation of the large reinforcement kit last year.
I think the thread was titled "Frankenstein drivetrain issues"
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Okay, I inspected the firewall area and the bushings and they looked ok. However, I checked my clutch master cylinder (didnt have channel locks earlier to get the cap off) and there was next to no fluid. I filled it up to the "lip" on the reservoir and it seems to be much better. I also realized that my floormat seems to creep forward and get under the pedal, which Im sure doesnt help. Im gonna retry it tomorrow morning and report back.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Lip on the reservoir?
Did you first remove the rubber boot that fits inside to seal out air?
Changing out the concentric slave cylinder on a smallblock ZF is a pretty involved job given that it is a 4x4.
Good luck!
Did you first remove the rubber boot that fits inside to seal out air?
Changing out the concentric slave cylinder on a smallblock ZF is a pretty involved job given that it is a 4x4.
Good luck!
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Yes, the lip on the reservoir. The rubber boot came out with the cap, which im pretty sure is the correct way. However, it looked like the boot had a hole about the size of a nickel on the bottom of it. Is that normal?
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Yes, the lip on the reservoir. The rubber boot came out with the cap, which im pretty sure is the correct way. However, it looked like the boot had a hole about the size of a nickel on the bottom of it. Is that normal? It also worked fine this morning on my way to the dump.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Texas
When i went through clutch issues, i got to where i could have the trans off in 45 minutes and have all back together an hour later.
If the fluid lever continues to decrease. Park the truck and cycle the clutch several times with the engine off, then look at the bottom of the tranny, or though the clutch inspection hole if you have one, for a drip. If its dripping the trans has to come off. And i would highly suggest replacing clutch, master and slave, all at the same time. they can cause each other to fail. Which is why i had the tranny off for 4 weeks in a row, then again 2 months later.
Good Luck!!!
If the fluid lever continues to decrease. Park the truck and cycle the clutch several times with the engine off, then look at the bottom of the tranny, or though the clutch inspection hole if you have one, for a drip. If its dripping the trans has to come off. And i would highly suggest replacing clutch, master and slave, all at the same time. they can cause each other to fail. Which is why i had the tranny off for 4 weeks in a row, then again 2 months later.
Good Luck!!!
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
I've been having huge issues w/ this site the past week. And I (as a supporter) am supposed to get a better connection along with my larger mailbox and no ads.
Lot's of double posts for me too...
Lot's of double posts for me too...
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Yeah, I dont understand why the site is so slow for me sometimes. But anyway, I will replace that boot ASAP. Also, the clutch was recently replaced by the PO and it probably has less than 2k on it.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
If the fluid was low it must be going somewhere.
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