Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Spring in bell House

[DLGonzo]

I was changing my oil today and noticed part of a spring laying in the bell house. Obviously I assume this is a clutch spring. Does this need immediate attention, or should the clutch be fine???? I don't know how long it's been that way, but I do think I slipped my SB Con 0 the other day (with edge comp on 5 and step 1 injectors). I was really troppin it in 4th though.



I only have about 40,000 miles on this clutch and I haven't abused it. I really don't want to buy a new clutch. My clutch still feels fine, and I just changed the cylinders last week. The slave was bleeding off a bit.



Ay advice??



Thanks

Doug

 

[ata]

Your right that's a spring out of the clutch disk and what it means is the Hub is coming apart and your about to be left sitting in the middle of the road with no go. Got to LOVE those South Bend Clutches

 

[Texas Diesel]

Post a picture of it. There is a "spring", actually a spring clip that holds the release arm onto the pivot during assemebly.



Need to see it though.

 

[DLGonzo]

Here's the only picture I could get cropped down enough to fit in my gallery.



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[Texas Diesel]

I really cant tell from the photo except it resembles the fork retainer spring.



If it is small and long with some curves, about the diameter of bailing wire you are fine. The retainer spring is only needed during assembly. Most of the time I find them laying in the bottom of the bell housing anyway.



If it is a HEAVY gauge COIL spring (or peice thereof) then you have dampener spring damage.



Get a pair of needle nose and try to pull it out.



*At this point*, my guess is that it is a fork retainer and you are fine but I need to see more of it.

 

[DLGonzo]

I'll try to pull it out tomorrow. Unfortunatly I think it's quite thicker than bailing wire. I didn't see this clutch before it went in, but my guess it's actually from the clutch. Still driving fine for now.



Maybe Peter will chime in here.

 

[pro99]

Don't get me wrong but the best thing is to pull it and fix what came a part. I wouldn't drive it till then. Best to be safe than sorry any day... just my 0. 02

 

[DLGonzo]

I got a piece of it out. Here are a couple of pics. I just hope that things hold on till next weekend. This is a FULL day job, or more.



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[Texas Diesel]

Definately part of a dampener spring.

 

[DLGonzo]

Here's the spring that broke. Turns out it's not the end of the world. Thanks Peter. SB Clutch Customer Service Rocks!



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[Texas Diesel]

Yep, Peter and SBC rule. I have a OFE in my 01 and just installed a CON O in my wifes 98. When we needed new clutches we didnt even consider another brand.



Just drove the 98 home last night from the shop.



Glad it worked out ok.