Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 4th clutch in 28,000 km

[GMcLean]

I got a call today from a guy who is at his wits end with his home town dealer. He claims that he is on his 4th clutch in 28k. He also claims to have no bombs. What`s wrong with this guy?? His ride is an 02 w3500. with 354 gearing. To my surprise, he also said his dealer tried a southbend con ofe, and still had slippage after about a month. He also claimed that upon disengagement of the clutch that it shook the truck so violently it would empty a cup of coffee all over the floor.

Anyone else have any symptoms like this in your vehicle?? He also claims that it slips only pulling 10k lbs. I can pull more with my 02 with the 275`s and comp on level 3 without slipping now. .

I know someone out there is going to have some good input for me. . Thanx in advance... . Garth

 

[OO]

Tell him to buy an auto

 

[Turbo Trucker]

Gosh I don't feel so bad now. (see sig)



Even my stock clutch didn't slip pulling 23k pounds. Sounds very strange, but 2 things come to mind, pilot bearing and transmission bearings. I found the stock pilot bearings aren't worth crap. A bushing works better.

 

[Ray Torresdal]

4th clutch???

Going for a ride with this guy might explain the problem . . .



Ray

 

[bighammer]

You would think that the expense of 4 clutches would get him to break some bad habbits. (if that is the problem) I've got to think there is something else going on. Maybe a severe mis-alignment of the bellhousing, leaking seal, or something else that has been overlooked by the dealer? Or maybe a little something wrong has got him compensating for it?



I'm no expert, but this guy must be REALLY abusing that left pedal (bonehead ) or there is something the dealer mechanic is doing wrong or overlooking in the install (other bone head )



(Sorry, but NO, he can't borrow mine while his is in the shop )

 

[Jetson]

I let a friend drive my truck one day. I noticed he kept slipping the clutch when he shifted from 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th, etc. After about 5 miles, my clutch was hot and started slipping. I thought he was just inexperienced with manuals, but he said he had been taught to "equalize" the clutch and rpm as he shifted. :--) :--)



I taught him different.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I think ONE possible problem with the Cummins and clutches, is the fact that the engine has so much torque at idle or slightly above, guys don't even REALIZE how much they slip the clutch! A gas engine, or lesser diesel, will stall the engine if the clutch isn't applied in a reasonable fashion, sorta FORCING better clutch release practices - the Cummins, on the other hand, will simply keep chuggin' along under conditions that would STALL other engines!



I know that my '02 ETH/DEE will quite cheerfully IDLE away from a stop in second gear while towing our 7000 lb 5er - don't even need to put my foot on the throttle... But probably not too good for the clutch!



A powerful, torquey engine can be a wonderful - and DANGEROUS - thing, if not applied with care and common sense!

 

[GMcLean]

Haven`t had a chance to drive with the cust since he live 7 hours away!!!! He is hoping to get an appointment with me in the next little while when his brother brings a load of hay down this way. . (too bad I can`t go for a ride with him instead). .

The way he was describing things over the phone wasn`t tooooo clear and may just turn out to be the way he drives!!?? Thanx for all the good input so far guys. . Garth