Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clutch Slipping?

[SWC]

On a recent trip pulling my 22' 5r and 17' fishing boat I caught my clutch slipping. The first time was on fresh asphalt when driving in light rain. When I got onto a different surface everything was fine. The second time about 4 hours later after driving in rain for 20 min same thing. The first time I suspected a slick surface from fresh asphalt. I thought the first time I was breaking traction, but I don't remember the speedometer increasing. The slipping on each occasion did not last 5 minutes. The first time it did not take much throttle to find the motor reving. Has anyone had this experience on wet roads? As you see in my signature my truck is stock except for the EZ which incidentally I love.

Stan

 

[SWC]

ttt

bringen it back

Stan

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

I slipped the stock clutch and went to a SBC ConFE.



the revs would run away and speed stayed ~constant.



REALLY annoying to put on new toys and have to wait to swap the clutch to use them.

 

[Whitmore]

Stan

I also have a eth dee and when I put an ez into place I got some slippage when I got into it... ... ... ... ... ... ... There is good news and bad news.



The bad news is the eth dee clutches are borderline for the power so any bombs will make it slip. Once you slip them it only gets worse.



the good news is that Peter at http://www.southbendclutch.com can supply you with a high performance clutch that will do the job and do it well, the install is not bad and you cannot go wrong with SBC.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Disclaimer...this is just my opinion...

After adding an EZ,I had to change out one (1) clutch on a 2000 6 speed to the South Bend model. Replacement clutch is great. However, looking at the factory unit I took off, a new disc with more agressive mating surfaces would have probably worked for "quite" a while. Seems to me Joseph Donnelly mentioned a replacement disc sometime back. Do not take this as a "slam" of Southbend. They make great stuff. Just a cheaper way to go for some.

 

[SWC]

Thanks for the responses. I know Southbend clutches come highly recommended. I still have warranty and don't know if I will try to get something there. If I do that I am sure the problem will come back sometime in the future.

Steve, that clutch Joe Donnelly mentioned, is that a Dodge clutch or after market? I have been talking to Rod at Wildcat Diesel about this. He asked if I had oil leaking out of the motor or transmission and getting on the clutch. I have not seen any sign of oil on the floor where I park the truck. I still am puzzled that the only time this happened is when I drove in wet road conditions.

Thanks guys.

Stan

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Re: Disclaimer...this is just my opinion...

Originally posted by Steve Campbell

After adding an EZ,I had to change out one (1) clutch on a 2000 6 speed to the South Bend model. Replacement clutch is great. However, looking at the factory unit I took off, a new disc with more agressive mating surfaces would have probably worked for "quite" a while. Seems to me Joseph Donnelly mentioned a replacement disc sometime back. Do not take this as a "slam" of Southbend. They make great stuff. Just a cheaper way to go for some.

Steve,



I have weighed offering a disc only for some time now. With our 40 years in the clutch business it seems to come back to bite me in the butt more than not. It leaves the burden of knowing if all the other components of the clutch system are in good working order to the one doing the work. If a problem arises such as chatter or release problems or simply longevity then the fingers start getting pointed and the :-{} begins. As a vendor I have chosen to stick with the complete kit and offer the best warranty policy that I can offer. This way if there are any problems the finger can be pointed at me for the most part. You are right, all that is needed is a better clutch facing and that is what we do as well as strengthen the pressure plate. Trying to put it in phases to match the hp. is the tough part. We have come up with a new clutch kit for the mild upgrades for the ETH HO 6sp that will be priced probably better then stock that will enable you to mod your trucks up past the stock clutches capability without emptying the pockets. Part # (MU 2001 CON O) With the help of my good friend Blair Pine and his Velcro transmission, we will know its limits soon. We are hopeful for 375hp maybe more.



I hope you understand this in a vendor’s viewpoint. Sometimes trying to do something for less can end up costing you more especially when your name is on the line.



If any of you see this differently then I, please speak up, my ears are open. I am not adverse to change and if the consensus is different then so be it. I am here for you.









Peter

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

Blair gets the velcro transmission and I get the velcro clutch



how's it goin' Peter??

 

[rspinks]

Peter,



Thank you for addressing this issue. I now understand better why you sell the disk/plate only as a package from the product support point of view.



Why don't you offer just a SBC disk with reduced/removed warranty? Then cheap guys like me who are about to start mild bombing (325-350rwhp) but want to head off the slipping clutch problem first could install the upgraded disk with a relatively fresh stock flywheel/pressure plate. At which hp level does the stock pressure plate become inadequate?



Somewhat loaded questions I realize, I'm looking forward to your response and Thank You again for taking the time to post on the TDR.



Rich

 

[Whitmore]

I enjoy working on my truck but

I feel that the time and effort to install a new clutch is to the point that one might as well do it right once

Sometimes trying to do something for less can end up costing you more

Peter I agree with you 100% on this one, in my younger days I tried to cut corners and guess what ... ... ... ... ... . I ended up doing the job again thus costing me more in the end let alone loss of my ride. South Bend Clutches and their backing have proven their integrity over and over time after time again and rather than trying to re-invent the wheel I prefer to use the proven and reliable process... ... ... ... ... ... ... . JMO Kevin

 

[Steve Campbell]

I was not trying to start a clutch war...

I even told my friend to buy a South Bend Clutch. Great Products!!!



Time for the disclaimer again... . I do not have Peter's expertise, but with the number of over-the-road clutches I have changed over the years and upon close inspection of "this particular" pressure plate, I would be willing to give it a go.



Peter and Whitmore are absolutely right... . "sometimes trying to do something for less can end up costing you more"... . and yes I have been there and done that.



Just think, this could have been as interesting as an oil thread with a few more posts!!!

 

[Whitmore]

No flames here I am a guy that weighs heavy on facts and school of hard knocks... ... ... ... good deep discussions are always welcome , besids how else can we learn

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Steve,



Your question was just!!!! That is why I brought it to the board. No attack intended... I just wanted to give my veiw point. Yours is a great one. Post on.



Peter

 

[rspinks]

I respectfully retract my question about re-using the stock pressure plate, this topic makes me nervous anyways . Just seems a shame to spend the money on the plate if it's not necessary at mild HP levels.