Clutch replacement
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 44
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From: Southeastern PA
Clutch replacement
Got a 53 F-100 with a 239 flat head 8 last April. After I got it going, I only drove it up and down my street (short run - 1st & 2nd gear) until I rebuilt the brake cylinder and brakes. Finally got it titled & tagged in PA so took it to be inspected and new tires Tuesday. Driving over I heard a metalic noise in the clutch.
New tires and everything passed inspection...that is except it wouldn't move out of the work bay...clutch burned out. Had it towed home.
I've found the parts for a good price at LMC but have never attempted clutch or trans work before.
Any advice for a rookie?
New tires and everything passed inspection...that is except it wouldn't move out of the work bay...clutch burned out. Had it towed home.
I've found the parts for a good price at LMC but have never attempted clutch or trans work before.
Any advice for a rookie?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,287
Likes: 1,052
From: NM
Use NAPA parts, not LMC. If you have a heavy truck clutch shop in your town, take the parts there and have your parts rebuilt. Stock Long-type clutches are easily rebuilt, since they are not diaphragm clutches. A rebuilt OEM clutch is made from real steel, not melted tuna cans. Guaranteed the LMC unit is from Korea.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 815
Likes: 4
From: mountaintop, Pa
I think he means the 3 finger style. you'll see when you pull it apart. Very easy job. maybe... you'll need to pull your seat out. and the trans comes out through the floor. That's as far as I got.
could you please look at the clutch material while it's still together kinda down in there... I have my tranny out and I'm debating if I should change the clutch or not. My plan for next year is to swap out the whole trans for a toploader OD..
bob
could you please look at the clutch material while it's still together kinda down in there... I have my tranny out and I'm debating if I should change the clutch or not. My plan for next year is to swap out the whole trans for a toploader OD..
bob
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,287
Likes: 1,052
From: NM
Yes, a Long style clutch uses three fingers to actuate the pressure plate, while a diaphragm type has 20+ fingers that are actually part of the diaphragm spring itself. Long style uses about a dozen coil springs, so it is easy for a rebuild shop to test them all. Setting the fingers to the correct height after rebuild is critical, and the bolts on the fingers that actually contact the release bearing need to have a smooth radius. Any large-truck clutch shop can rebuild one in their sleep, that is what they use too. This is what mine looked like after rebuild by a local shop
PS -- you can see the thickness of the clutch disc and watch the action of the clutch PP by looking thru the inspection cover on top of the bellhousing
PS -- you can see the thickness of the clutch disc and watch the action of the clutch PP by looking thru the inspection cover on top of the bellhousing
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 565
Likes: 3
From: saxton pa.
Old Clutch Lining
Something to think about if that clutch is an old unit it my possibly be made of Asbestos!! The dust off of this is Hazerdous and could possibly harm you. Wear gloves , long sleeve shirt and a good dust mask . Don't use a air hose to blow the dust away , the last thing you want is airboore asbestos particles. Use brake cleaner to remove grit and grime from parts and dispose of waste properly. Remember old brake lining may contain the same thing.
Have A Safe Day--------------Hotwrench
Have A Safe Day--------------Hotwrench
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 556
Likes: 1
From: Prescott, AZ
You should be able to buy a complete clutch kit that will include the clutch disc, pressure plate, and new throw out bearing. Most kits include a plastic transmission shaft accessory that allows you to align the transmission splines with the clutch disc for easy insertion; this is a must have time and frustration saver.
I would also check the condition of the flywheel surface. If there are deep cracks you should be able to have the surface machined or the shop could tell you if it needs replaced.
You can do the job yourself and with the money you save, it's best that you do it right and use quality parts.
I would also check the condition of the flywheel surface. If there are deep cracks you should be able to have the surface machined or the shop could tell you if it needs replaced.
You can do the job yourself and with the money you save, it's best that you do it right and use quality parts.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
I think he means the 3 finger style. you'll see when you pull it apart. Very easy job. maybe... you'll need to pull your seat out. and the trans comes out through the floor. That's as far as I got.
could you please look at the clutch material while it's still together kinda down in there... I have my tranny out and I'm debating if I should change the clutch or not. My plan for next year is to swap out the whole trans for a toploader OD..
bob
could you please look at the clutch material while it's still together kinda down in there... I have my tranny out and I'm debating if I should change the clutch or not. My plan for next year is to swap out the whole trans for a toploader OD..
bob
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 44
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From: Southeastern PA
Hallelujah! NAPA had the parts. Well all but one bearing. That will have to come from the factory. Thanks for the advice.
Tomorrow I'll see if I can get it apart. I've got a shop manual and a friend coming over.
Thanks again for all the advice.
Tomorrow I'll see if I can get it apart. I've got a shop manual and a friend coming over.
Thanks again for all the advice.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,287
Likes: 1,052
From: NM
Which bearing, the pilot bushing? If so the ball bearing equivalent is a real common piece but probably isn't listed as being for a flat V8. It's the same size used for Fords with light duty trannies from '28 - '64!
Bearing - Pilot [1523] - $13.50 : Red's Headers, Speed Equipment For Old Fords
But I don't have the bearing data handy.
Bearing - Pilot [1523] - $13.50 : Red's Headers, Speed Equipment For Old Fords
But I don't have the bearing data handy.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern PA
Have to admit, I really didn't pay attention to which item they could get from other NAPA stores in the area by this morning and the one they had to order from the factory.
I and the guy at the store were amazed they had the alignment tool in stock!
Yes, I'm in a rush cause I wanna drive the dang thing, but realistically, I'll give myself a day to get it disassembled. Tomorrow gotta drive up to Penn State to pickup daughter.
Thanks again for all the advice!
I and the guy at the store were amazed they had the alignment tool in stock!
Yes, I'm in a rush cause I wanna drive the dang thing, but realistically, I'll give myself a day to get it disassembled. Tomorrow gotta drive up to Penn State to pickup daughter.
Thanks again for all the advice!
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