Clutch Problen
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Clutch Problen
I have a 1983 Ford Ranger, 5 speed with 230000km on it. Up until a couple of weeks ago no problem, but with onset of cold weather (0 F), my cloutch is not working well until the vehicle is fully warmed up. If it sits all day in a heated parking garage it is fine but after sitting out all night it will not engage, or barely engages until the vehicle is up to full operating temperature (which takes a while at these temperatures).
My question...as this is an hydraulic clutch, is there a fluid level problem of an adjustment that I can do or could it be something else?
My question...as this is an hydraulic clutch, is there a fluid level problem of an adjustment that I can do or could it be something else?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 601
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From: South Sioux City, NE USA
Clutch Problen
Has the fluid ever been replaced?
When the master was replaced on my truck, I used a vacuum bleeder to draw all of the old fluid from the slave. It looked like coffee when it came out.
It probably wouldn't hurt to flush the system with some fresh fluid. It just uses DOT 3 brake fluid, which collects and holds water. Maybe the water in the fluid is freezing? Causing the clutch problems.
Roger Lane
When the master was replaced on my truck, I used a vacuum bleeder to draw all of the old fluid from the slave. It looked like coffee when it came out.
It probably wouldn't hurt to flush the system with some fresh fluid. It just uses DOT 3 brake fluid, which collects and holds water. Maybe the water in the fluid is freezing? Causing the clutch problems.
Roger Lane
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Clutch Problen
Where, pray tell, is the reservoir for the hydraulic clutch...it does act like wet fluid or low level, but for the life of me I cannot find the reservoir. Is it by any chance combined with the brake reservoir? I just bought the truck as a commuter...no one crowds an old pickup truck, not even a Ranger. Used to do a lot of my own maintenance, would like to get back to doing it again.
Hmmm...that probably means I should go buy a repair manual, any suggestions as to a good one?
Hmmm...that probably means I should go buy a repair manual, any suggestions as to a good one?
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Clutch Problen
Thanks for your information...found reservoir, tucked up in the drivers side corner of the firewall, almost invisible. Drained system, and refilled, not only was fluid level very low, it was contaminated with water and very dirty.
You should try that little job outdoors, in the dark at 0 F with 6" of snow as a cushion.
Clutch works like a charm and more importantly it went to -5 F last night and it worked just fine this morning too.
You should try that little job outdoors, in the dark at 0 F with 6" of snow as a cushion.
Clutch works like a charm and more importantly it went to -5 F last night and it worked just fine this morning too.
