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Clutch Problems Assistance Requested

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Ok you clutch guru's, I have a question. I installed a South Bend clutch in my vehicle a few months or so ago and thus far have been very happy with the set-up. My experiences with the clutch were uneventul through several thousand miles then it gradually became increasingly difficult to engage gears while at an idle. Finally, when at idle, it became necessary to shut down the vehicle in order to be able to shift into any gear. In the beginning it was possible to shift into third and then into first, but the situation worsened and all gears became affected. I originally suspected the clutch master and slave cylinders and purchased a new assembly. I installed them this afternoon. During my test run, I saw no real improvement to the shifting, however I didn't have to shut the vehicle down in order to engage a gear. My next approach will be to remove the transmission and inspect the pilot bearing. I am assuming that the clutch may be dragging from a worn-out pilot bearing that I might have damaged during installation. I didn't install the South Bend bearing due to time constraints (oh well, live and learn). My question is: Am I heading in the right direction, or have I missed something? This is the third clutch that I have installed in this truck, perhaps I was a bit too confident while installing it. :D
 
The clutch is not disengaging if you are having trouble shifting (assuming that the transmission is functioning correctly)



Check everything that would prevent the pressure plate and clutch from disengaging.



On my 89, the OEM Sachs clutch disc cover plate (that retained the 6 dampening springs on the hub) came loose and prevented the clutch fork from fulling pushing the throwout bearing into the pressure plate. Which prevented the clutch from disengaging.



Good luck.
 
Have someone sit in the truck and push in the clutch with the truck in gear (NOT RUNNING!!!) and take a feeler gauge and measure hoe much clearance you get.



It could be the pilot bearing or dry input shaft splines binding up the disk.
 
I used a high temp/pressure bearing grease on the main shaft and installed a new needle bearing. Yes you can up-shift rather easily, it is just when you come to a complete stop that you can not in-gage a gear. I will have the transmission out most likely tomorrow night, I need to clean the shop up from my twin turbo project first. Heck I might even feel ambitious and drop it tonight. South Bend said this clutch would hold, I just didn't think this much :D
 
DBR,



I am a little short on time right now to type it out so if you would give me a call at work or at home I have a few questions that may help out.



w. 1-800-988-4345

h. 1-219-277-0353



Peter
 
Pete, thanks for the reply but just finished pulling the trans, under-drive and transfer-case. I am a bit embarrassed about this one as I believe the problem was not enough (or any) lubrication on the input splines and disk hub. I guess I’ll have to curtail my beer drinking until the end of my projects…or perhaps old age is setting in little early. I swear I put grease on the input splines, but then again I can lose my keys and wallet in a matter of seconds. Like my co-workers say, “ It don’t get better with age. ” I guess I’ll pull the disk and cover tomorrow night and see how much, if any, wear there is. Thanks for the reply folks, I appreciate the help.



So, what type of grease should I use
 
MY6EATSV8'S No the clutch has never slipped and I have tried hard to do so. The "shift fork" not sure it's the proper word, was installed per Chryslers TSB. I believe I got this when I purchased my Centerforce clutch, and or off of Fritz's web-site.



Pete SBC. Thanks for the offer, I'll be pulling the cover and disk tonight to inspect for any abnormal wear. I haven't made my mind up if I'm going to install the SBC Pilot bearing . I want to be ready for the BD Dyno days later this month.



Mike R. Just plain synthetic bearing grease?



Thanks to everyone that has helped!
 
I've seen you there before

3 gauges on the a pillar and 7 across the dash with leopardskin seat covers and chainlinks steering wheel :D
 
Yup,just syntheric bearing grease. It'll last longer and won't break down.



Stock 215hp,eh? Mines just a run-o-the mill 235hp. :rolleyes: Funnest 235 horsies I've ever had! :D
 
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