Hey guys, (90 F250)

I was getting my truck ready for emissions testing and while driving over the bridge, my clutch got stuck. At first the pedal was stuck to the ground but I was able to pump it and it released but it seems as though its stuck half way??? when clutch is in it is hard to get into gear sometimes won't go in at all, and when in gear, grinds like crazy trying to move. Which leads me to believe it's stuck half way because it still grabs. Trying to creep home i hit a minor hill and it would not climb at all. So I threw it in 4 low and was able to creep home, just couldn't change gears....

what can this be? clutch spring??? I just drained the tranny fluid and it was pink/black. Speaking of which, what kind of tranny fluid goes in the ZF? and how much?

Thanks guys,

 

Could be a fun mix of problems. The clutch systems in these trucks are hydraulic, so it could be the slave or master, could be the pressure plate (though I doubt it since you said you were able to pump the pedal and get at least something) or the clutch pedal bracket itself. I have had two slaves go bad and one clutch pedal bracket break on me in the 14 years that I have had my 88. I would start by thoroughly inspecting the clutch pedal bracket first, and if you find no cracks / breaks in it replace the clutch hyrdaulic master and slave. Good luck!

Mike

 

not sure about 90's trucks but the older ones (read mid 80's) had an issue with a weaker firewall that would crack preventing the pedal from being depressed all the way. ford sold 2 different plates that would strengthen the firewall and thus fix the problem.

might be worth having a buddy press the pedal down and you see if there's flexing at the firewall under the hood.

 

I haven't had a problem with the clutch pedal brackets before but i'd check that too to see if there is anything broken under the dash. Then replace your master cylinder. $30 fix or there abouts. I have had 2 new ones go bad on me so you might want to opt for the extra $5 for a life time one...

If that doesn't fix it you'll be pulling your drive shaft and loosing the tranny so you can see what's going on inside the bell housing. How long has it be since you've had a clutch replaced or the slave replaced... again because of the large amount of work involved in pulling the tranny you might want to go with the better clutch and slave parts so you don't have to open it up again any time soon.

I believe that i have read that ford fixed the firewall problem in the 88's on forward but again worth checkin out.

keep us posted.

 

i had the same prob in my 94 F250 i had to replace the slave and mastercylinder in the tranny, my dad n i did it in a few nights,,
ur tranny should take ATF
thats what mine took-94 F250- 5.0L 5spd

 

Yea it was strange, seeing as the truck was running nice and strong, no signs of anything.....just coming over the bridge, going into 3rd clutch pedal sticks to the bottom!!! I had to physically pull the pedal up with my foot once or twice and with a few pumps, it started coming back up on it's own. Mind you...I'm coasting over this bridge when i finally was able to get into gear. At that point....prayed i didnt hit a red light. Sure enough I did being the first one at the light.

I don't know when the last time anything was changed in all honesty as i just got the truck.... I'm about ready to rip the damn thing out and replace/rebuilt it no messin around...but that's $,$$$

I really appreciate your guys input and suggestions....Tranny problems ain't my 4tay. Then again....i don't think it's anyones! Will keep you guys posted

Cheers,

 

Oh wait........HANG ON. When I took it camping a couple weeks ago. I let my buddy rip around in it and he had it locked in at 4high and was trying to crawl around. Smoke started coming out like crazy at one point. I presume too much strain on the pressure plate? i realized then, he was in 4 high. Could this be the cuulprit to my problems?!?!?

 

yes it certainly could be the source of your problems... doesn't change the fact you'll probably need to open it up to fix it...