Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) clutch slipping.....

[arthr31]

Hi all,



A quick couple of questions, and want your opinion...



So, about a week ago, I started to note a loss of power and a decrease in MPG. I also started to notice that my RPMs come up way faster than I'm actualy traveling. However, it's not consistent and sometimes different in every gear (rpms coming up faster than mph). clutch still grabs OK, but under slight load seems to be slipping. Could this be? The #10 plate is out, stock plate forward, AFC a bit forward (star wheel too)...



What other signs should I look for regarding the clutch slipping?



Also, i know it's like asking "will I win the lottery?", but if it's minorly slipping, how long might i have before needing to replace??? I need to save up some money for decent clutch, need new tires too... all comes at once, i guess... TIA... :{

 

[DSahd]

Just put her in 5th and stand on the go pedal. If your clutch slips you will know right away. She should rev right up. It also all depends on how bad the clutch slips to determine if you can still get some good mileage outta her. After boming my truck I slipped real bad and bought a new valair and pressure plate etc. now I have detuned my truck a lot due to diesel prices and pulling a loaded 20 foot gooseneck, I am yet to slip,and I still have not installed the new clutch.

 

[JGK]

Check something that Peter at SouthBend had me check when my dual-disk started to slip prematurely: Remove the clutch actuator slave cylinder from the bell housing (2 nuts) and grab the end of the release fork through the hole and wiggle it. There should be at least a little play front-to-back. If it is tight (can't move it at all without grabbing it with pliers) it would indicate the clutch has worn down to the point that there is some preload on the release levers of the clutch by the release bearing. So if you can get some play back in the release fork, you might find you have some extra life left in the clutch. But it may be the clutch is just plain worn out.



In either case, if no play is found in the release fork, your only option is to pull the transmission. You can remove the clutch and see if there's still some life in the disk, then its just a matter of grinding off a little metal on the back of the release bearing, or bending the release levers in a bit (evenly) to get some play in the fork and relieving the preload, and re-assembling. On the other hand, it may be just as easy to replace the clutch. Either way, when you bolt the transmission back up again, make sure there's play in the fork. Peter said as much as a half inch front to back is OK. At least with for a dual disk.



-Jay

 

[wildmanben]

just replace the clutch. Its not going to get better, and probably only going to get worse. Mine started slipping in 5th, then 4th and finally 3rd. So I broke down and bought a SBC. Was so happy I did so. Its nice being able to get the power to the ground. I am going to take out my OFE and get a DD soon. So if your interested let me know.

 

[arthr31]

thanks, wildmanben. i'll contact you via pm about the OFE...