Clutch Smell

[RGH43]

Last year I posted a ? about my clutch, after excessive backing to unload a 5th wheel my clutch was smoking & smelling. Has worked fine since then but I haven’t pulled until now. Yesterday I drove non stop on a170 mi trip, 120mi freeway & then 50mi on 2 lane up & down some long grades, after arriving I could smell something. I assume the clutch. Later after unloading I drove to town, 45 mi ea way. After returning as I got out I could smell something again. My concern is I have to return the 170mi home. I don’t think I have felt any slipping. If it starts slipping on a hill I should see the RPM go up quickly shouldn’t I? How should I handle the hills, I did most on the way down in 5th & once 4th? My biggest concern is getting the truck & 5th wheel home. Any special shifting or gear to use on the hills other than what I have said I used? Any chance of fire if it gets to hot?

 

[betterthanstock]

Unlike a wet clutch in an automatic, a dry clutch either slips, or it doesn't. When it starts to slip the rpm should go up. If that happens, back off the throttle, and shift to a lower gear and take it easy.

 

[WPeschel]

You should have no problems getting it home... . Are you sure it is not the brakes??? How many miles on the clutch??

 

[RGH43]

Truck is a 2003 but it only has 20K total so very low mileage,

 

[MScheiper]

rgh43, had a similar issue with my 04. 5 when backing my cargo trailer into a tight spot last fall. Even unplugged the trailer harness afraid I was heating up my brakes and magnets on the trailer. Must have been my clutch I guess, no smoke that I saw though. Have had no issues with the clutch since and have pulled with the truck and I have 52K on it. Knock on wood Keep your shifts smooth and when in doubt, shift down a gear and easy on the throttle. Just my . 02.

 

[DerekW]

Last year I posted a ? about my clutch, after excessive backing to unload a 5th wheel my clutch was smoking & smelling. Has worked fine since then but I haven’t pulled until now. Yesterday I drove non stop on a170 mi trip, 120mi freeway & then 50mi on 2 lane up & down some long grades, after arriving I could smell something. I assume the clutch. Later after unloading I drove to town, 45 mi ea way. After returning as I got out I could smell something again. My concern is I have to return the 170mi home. I don’t think I have felt any slipping. If it starts slipping on a hill I should see the RPM go up quickly shouldn’t I? How should I handle the hills, I did most on the way down in 5th & once 4th? My biggest concern is getting the truck & 5th wheel home. Any special shifting or gear to use on the hills other than what I have said I used? Any chance of fire if it gets to hot?

downshift. reduction helps take the load off things between the reduction and the source of rotational energy (cummins). meaning if you keep burning up autotrannies lower rearend gears would help them. clutches require less slipping while backing up a trailer if you put the truck in 4WL. clutches slip less while going up hills if you drop it down a gear and take it easy.



around here I can make a 48re hot fast in the sand (yard) so 4WL helps alot... i can prove it on the gauge too. use reduction if available n stop polluting (clutch material)

 

[MMeier]

IMO, once you slip a stocker, it is history. Get a better quality one from an aftermarket supplier... South Bend Clutch seems to come to mind! Be aware there are trade offs usually, just like everything else on these trucks.