Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clutch Broke Again

[Deadbus]

So where to begin??



:-{} My SBC Con OFE wnet out out about a month ago due to a complete failure of the hydraulcs system. On the recommendation of my Chief, I took it to a local reapir company. They diagnozed and recoomended the following repairs:



1. replace clutch with their super whamadyne custom built thingamajig type clutch.

2. new oem clutch hydraulics (pedal down).

3. new flywheel (old one supposedly could not be turned, had about 1. 5mm depth wear from dragging SBC.



They put all this in and charged twice what the dealer wanted with a SBC, plus dealer said flywheel could be turned.

The new clutch seemed to work like a dream except that it would occasionly slip in 6th if you really layed into it. Now it slips in 5th and 6th with moderate medal, but will holds like glue in 1st-4th.



I have no idea what is wrong and neither does the repair shop. They've had the truck for 4 days with no resolution.



I'm curious to hear what ya'll might have about this and maybe give me some ideas to lead them in the right direction. :{ :{

 

[RHARVEY]

Sounds like you are over powering "their" clutch. Once it slips... . I am not sure it will ever clear up and hold...

When this all started did you make a call to SBC and talk to Peter. . Really that should have been your first phone call. .



Rick

 

[Deadbus]

RHARVEY,



I called SBC, but Peter was out that Day. I spoke with another employee and he had me send photos of everything. The clutch was worn down to the rivets on one the side that goes up against the flywheel. The clutch only had about 70,000 miles on it, if even that much. He concurred with the dealer and repair place that it was a hydraulic failure that caused the whole system to crash. I can post the pics if any one is interested.



The part that really irritates me is that this is the second time I have brought it in for slippage. The company now has their District Manager involved. He suspects that I got an inferior clutch rather than what was called for. I made it clear to them that this was a modified truck. After they dismantled everything, they critized SBC's product and recommended their own manufacturer.



I'm not happy. I was very happy with my SBC. Right now I just want my truck back.



Vinnie

 

[GiesJ]

Sounds like they tried to upsell you. The SBC didn't fail, your hydraulics did. I know there are a lot of guys here who love SBC - I'm one of them. Great service. That doesn't help you right now though. I don't know if it is too late, but if you can get that crap they put in out and put an OFE or maybe FE back in. I think you are going to continue to slip with their clutch.



You should ask the guy who told you their product is much better what's up. Are they a diesel specific company? You are probably above 900 ft-lbs of TQ right?



Not sure how else to help, just hope you get it resolved and up and running.

Jason

 

[Deadbus]

5 days, I still have no truck.

GiesJ,



Yeah, they definitely upsold me. I spoke with Peter (SBC) yesterday and he confirmed it. The transmission place is recommending that I upgrade again to a double side ceramic. I told the DM about the FE and he said that was the type he was recommending. I gave him Peter's number to see if they can get something done, because I want the transmission places crap out!



THe DM even tried to claim that I never told them about the uprated power of the truck, yet they recommended their "heavy duty" clutch to me.



I need to get this thing on a Dyno, with a good clutch, and see what kind of power I am making.



Vinnie