Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) black dust from clutch

[Berrigan]

Any of you with sticks ever notice black dust or powder coming out the small inspection hole between the engine and trans? I see it (clutch dust) about once a week on the garage floor. Any need for concern? Thanks

 

[GCroyle]

Can't say that I have noticed what you are reporting, but clutches do create dust in normal wear. Might consider it similar to brake dust. The disc friction material can dust and the cast iron surfaces also creat dust, most of that dust is a red dust due to iron.



It might be happening at shutdown, the clutch disc and pressure plate get shook pretty viloently at shutdown, that might trigger the dusting. I'm not sure why I started doing it, but I hold the clutch released (pedal down) during shutdown, disc doesn't get shook.

 

[Berrigan]

Thanks for the response Gary. Yes I would agree the shut down shake is probably whats knocking it loose. It does look like brake dust. Well its driving normal so I will not worry about it. Thanks Bill

 

[GCroyle]

Bill,



Look at the "dust" this way, that is the ash from burning paper money. The challange is to burn less money, create less ash and still get the job done.



I suggest to anyone with the Cummins, use 1st with any load and 2nd is your choice if empty, bring the pedal up engine at idle, let the clutch fully engage, then start rowing. This minimizes the friction time that the clutch is slipping, = less money being converted to ash. And downshifting also consumes facing material, using an exhaust brake with the clutch locked up, good thing, using the engine and trans to slow you down while in a controlled slip with the clutch in the friction zone = more dust = more paper ash.



Gary