Clutch Problems

[Stan]

I have 60,000 miles on my 98. 5 Ram 5spd and have towed cross country 28k. When getting onto the interstate on a upgrade I get a serious bucking in third. My fifth wheel is 9200lbs. Is the clutch slipping or is something else happening?

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[CUMINNTSTRKN]

you might try changing your fuel filter. when your clutch slips the rpms will increase but truck speed will not.

jim

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if it ain't broke fix it till it is!!
2001 eth, ez box, dd2's,southbendclutch

My Ram Pics

 

[Stan]

I guess that it could be the fuel filter but I checked and it was new 7,000 miles ago. How do you check for a bad cluch?

 

[Archive]

Not highly recommended, but you could try this... put your trailer on, drive down the road in high gear... at about 1500rpm... nail the throttle and watch your tach. If the tach climbs up, but you aren't going any faster... its the clutch. There is also a telltale smell when the clutch is slipping... once you smell it, you will identify it for life!
You might also check your fuel pressure...

[This message has been edited by Rob Hanson (edited 05-01-2001). ]

 

[SteveE]

It only takes one load of bad fuel to plug or restrict a fuel filter, loaded 3rd gear on a hill you are using a lot of fuel.
Have you checked for the imfamous cap on the vent for the fuel tank??
When the clutch is slipping it STINKS big time... burned eggs.
Steve

 

[Stan]

Originally posted by Stevee:
It only takes one load of bad fuel to plug or restrict a fuel filter, loaded 3rd gear on a hill you are using a lot of fuel.
Have you checked for the imfamous cap on the vent for the fuel tank??
When the clutch is slipping it STINKS big time... burned eggs.
Steve

Steve, The "vent cap" is OK. I am going to change the filter and then do a pressure test. Thanks for your reply. Stan

 

[Stan]

Originally posted by CUMINNTSTRKN:
you might try changing your fuel filter. when your clutch slips the rpms will increase but truck speed will not.

jim

jim, I ll try the filter change. Hopefully I won't fix it till its broke. Thanks.
Stan

 

[Stan]

Originally posted by Rob Hanson:
Not highly recommended, but you could try this... put your trailer on, drive down the road in high gear... at about 1500rpm... nail the throttle and watch your tach. If the tach climbs up, but you aren't going any faster... its the clutch. There is also a telltale smell when the clutch is slipping... once you smell it, you will identify it for life!
You might also check your fuel pressure...

[This message has been edited by Rob Hanson (edited 05-01-2001). ]

Rob, I didn't smell anything but probably didn't stop for three/four hours after. I ll wait on the "nail it" at 1500 for a while yet. Thanks. Stan