Sponge Bob Clutch

[yellow jacket]

I have a prob w my clutch when backing into a tight spot. If I have to pull up more than twice the clutch gets very spongy & grabs at the floor--after it cools it's fine. Clutch never slips & shifts good under normal situations - only gives trouble in tight spots. Is slave cylinder gone? Needs adjustment? Any help appreciated. Truck is stock 305 HO 6spd original clutch. Truck has 192,000mi & 50% of time it's under a load pulling a goose neck trlr.

 

[rbattelle]

Sounds like maybe air is getting in the system. Make sure the cap is tight. Other than that, the system is not serviceable so you'll have to buy a complete assembly (master and slave and connecting tube). Also check the fluid level.



-Ryan

 

[jsimpson]

192,000 miles??? That's a bunch! What kind of problems have you had, and what mods. if any, have you made?

 

[jelag]

Couple of thoughts... .



1- brake fluid draws moisture... . and if it gets hot it boils... . I suggest you change the brake fluid in your clutch and see if that helps...



2- these trucks are geared to high in reverse and we tend to have to slip the clutch and cause overheat... . this alone will make it grab and chatter... . When I go to back up... I try to do so at idle and let the clutch fully out... . and let it creep back... of course if I have a large load I have problems and sometimes I pull ahead and go around the block so I don't have to back up... .



Jim

 

[HBarlow]

yellow jacket:



Although my truck is an antique Gen II and can't be directly compared to yours it does the same thing. I have to back my trailer up a short but steep driveway ramp from the street over the sidewalk and through a narrow backyard gate to park it behind my garage. The exercise usually requires a couple of attempts to get lined up and avoid the hazards and, unfortunately, heats the clutch. It always recovers after it cools and no permanent harm has showed up... . yet. I can't blame the truck. I intentionally ordered it with a 3. 54 differential to pull a 8k-9k# conventional travel trailer. Now I'm pulling a 14k# fifth wheel. I'm grossing 22,500# which is 2,500# heavier than the truck was rated for. As Jim said above, our reverse gear is pretty high for backing up hills in tight spots where you can't simply engage the clutch and let it roll along at idle. I suspect my clutch (this is the second one) will eventually fail but so far it has handled the weight for around 12,000 miles. Next time I'll order a 4. 10 gear. With 17" tires and wheels on Gen III trucks the 4. 10 is probably a little higher than in Gen II trucks.



Harvey

 

[Lonestar]

Harvey,

Where did you find a hilly driveway in Lubbock??

 

[HBarlow]

Lonestar,



Sounds like you know Lubbock.



Harvey