Clutch Break-in/Early Maintenence

[boonsur]

Wondering the best way to introduce a new clutch to the cruel world.



How should I drive it when new? Should I try to engage it as quickly as possible, or let it slip a little more than normal. How long should I treat it this way before normal driving?



How early should I change the fluid to get the break-in (and presumably worst) particles out?



Back to the engagement question: Which is better for prolonged clutch life, agressive engagement (high, quick stress) or moderate slipping (light, prolonged stress)?

 

[rashwor]

Running stock.

My experience only. I have a '92 with 242,000+ miles and it is still going on the stock clutch (different clutch (and bigger) than the 24 valves) and have towed 30,000# gross many times. I have always believed in quick engagement; slippage = heat and extreme wear.



My '99 gets the same rule applied to it and I am currently over 102,000+ miles on the stock clutch.



Just my $0. 02. I figure if the clutch is engaged and it is not slipping, then it is not wearing out, so the quicker it is fully engaged, the less wear you will put on it, the less heat build up you will have, and the longer it will last.



One other rule I apply to both trucks (both are 5 speeds). Start off in low gear as little above idle as possible if the truck is pulling a trailer; once the clutch is fully engaged, Oo. Oo. GAS IT AND LET THE CUMMINS TAKE OVER! Oo. Oo.

 

[Mad Max]

Fluid?

Clutch?



U have fluid in your hydralic clutch clylinder, and fluid in your transmission, neither of theses fluids should come into contact with the clutch, ever. Oil of any kind on the friction material would pretty much ruin it.



I am not sure that's what you're trying to inquire about though?



MaX

 

[Todd T]

I wouldnt try to deliberatly slip it at take off. just get going as you normaly would. then try to slip it by short shifting and stuffing the throttle through the floor



if you have enough power to pull through the new clutch, or if its not broken in, it will slip a little. let it slip just for a second and back off. keep doing this and it will get progressively harder to slip and eventualy hold the power. if you dont have enough power to slip it, then just drive it normal and enjoy. or put a load on and do the above



the Feramic discs seem to take a little longer than the cinderized metal materials.

 

[Whitmore]

my new con ofe does a little slapping or chatter when first engaged from a stop, is this norm till broke in? It sure dont sound healthy.



Kevin

 

[Whitmore]

can someone help shed some light on this? I have a big trip tomorrow and wont be home for 3 days. I hope this chatter is normal till broke in, it sounds as if a tennishoe is being slapped rappidly underneith the floorboard ... ... ... Kevin

 

[Deezul1]

Whitmore

Call Southbend and they will tell you what to expect. It seems that different clutch materials require different procedures for breakin. Peter at Southbend told me not to "burn in" my Con O clutch just drive "aggressively" but dont slip it anymore than you have to. It slipped for 1 day and now doesnt slip at all. Thanks Peter.