Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Unusual clutch problem

[mbrolin]

I now have 36,500 miles on my 01 HO 6spd. During the past month its developed an unusual problem when releasing the clutch. The clutch will not release smoothly when first starting out in the morning. It is jerky and grabby. After stopping and starting from stoplights 2-3 times it resumes giving smooth starts and will continue to do so even after sitting all day . This morning was especially bad. It felt like the clutch was being released and unreleased very quickly until fully engaged. I dropped it off for an oilchange,picked it up after work and it released smoothly as if nothing was wrong. Im leaning towards a cluch slave cylinder problem but sure could use some additional input.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

I'm going to toss my 2 cents in here. My belief is that the friction disk is absorbing a bit of moisture over the night. This in turn causes the clutch to grab a bit until enough heat is generated to dry the lining back out. I would imagine that the humidity in Corvalis is quite high this time of the year. Another question that I would have is "Are you making short trips and driving through relatively deep water?" This would not allow the friction disk, flywheel, and pressure plate to get hot enough to completely dry itself out.



I have not had my clutches do that, but have noticed the brakes on several vehicles that will absorb enough moisture overnight to be "grabby" the first few applications in the morning. I would just monitor the problem and see if it lessens with seasonal changes before I threw money at it.



Good Luck!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Sounds more like oil getting on the clutch plate from a leaking engine rear main seal, or front transmission seal - after a few cycles, it heats up or burns off and is OK again 'til next time... Look around carefully at the mating surfaces in the engine-to-transmission/clutch housing seams for any unusual signs of lube accumulation or leakage...

 

[mbrolin]

Thanks for the replies. I have always had a little oil on the bellhousing since the truck was new. Since I tightened the oil pan bolts it has been reduced. Its been a while since Ive been under the truck so it may time to crawl under it again. I tend to keep the underside as clean as the top side so it shouldnt take long to locate an oil leak if there is one. Also my trips are short,this morning was foggy and more rain is in the forecast.