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1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem


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gdtractor
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Nov 17, 2008, 9:44 PM

Post #1 of 33 (10501 views)
1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

My old 1987 Ford F-150 manual transmission 4x4 - has set out a lot -- and the linkage to the slave drive broke and it would not go out of gear. I fixed the linkage lever that runs to the slave drive cylinder because it broke in two.

I drove it for a while like that .. then it sat for a month or two again and Now the clutch won't engage [or it won't go into gear all the way]. if I rev it -- it will start to move. How do I know if the clutch is out or can I adjust the the slave drive linkage again because it could have "slipped" out of place -- because I had to weld it.

not sure the clutch is fully disengaging ..
again the truck has set a lot for about 3 years altogether.

also where do I check to see if the fluid is okay for the clutch drive cylinder

what do you suspect?

thanks much

Gary

(Just removed hyperlink not intended by poster, TG)


(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Nov 17, 2008, 9:56 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
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Nov 17, 2008, 10:05 PM

Post #2 of 33 (10492 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Hmmm? Not quite sure what physically broke that could be welded and allow you to drive it for a while but no matter.

Right now it seems as though the clutch is ALWAYS engaged making it near impossible to get into gear while engine is running - right? If started it would probably take off on you if engaged and clutch was good itself.

This type linkage needs to be bled out of air and parts replaced that leak and whatever it was the needed welding checked to see if that repair is working.

There should be a reservoir - frequently near the brake's master cylinder that usually uses DOT 3 brake fluid and should have a line indicating the "full" mark. Some if low will begin to behave if just filled and pumped a few times but finding it low indicates a problem to be fixed.

It's really NOT good to force shift this when linkage isn't disengaging the clutch. Doing to is really not so hard on the clutch but is hard on the transmission and to be avoided.

Bleeding air out of master/slave clutch linkages can be tricky. If this shifts well now without engine running it would be a good idea to get help if this is confusing you now and possibly prevent damage it may not have yet,

T



gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 6:05 AM

Post #3 of 33 (10483 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Tom -- thanks so much for your answer ---

I made some wrong statesments in my post ---

actually it shifts very well and the truck goes in and out of every gear very well but will not move when in gear -- however if I rev the engine - it will start to move -- I haven't moved it because I didn't know if it would hurt something ..

the piece of linkage that I had to weld is the small bolt like piece under the dash that the clutch pedal runs thru the firewall to the slave cylinder [I am assuming] ....

hope this gives you a better picture of the problem ..
I will have to check the level of the fluid in the cylinder ..

thx much
Gary


Tom Greenleaf
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Nov 18, 2008, 6:24 AM

Post #4 of 33 (10477 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Ok: Somewhere between your typing and my eyesight to read we'll get thisWink

IF - you can put this in gear and the truck holds the vehicle on a slope for example then I would say the clutch itself is ok to move the truck when running. If you are sure you are in gear and release the clutch with little effect to move the truck than I'm blaming the clutch itself as burned out.

Linkage for the clutch is to release it. The "HOME" of a clutch is engaged unless somehow some kind of linkage mess up is preventing from returning to "engaged" .. This is to say that if a vehicle had no linkage, no fluid and just a good clutch it would be able to move. Now - stopping and changing gears would be a real problem.

Note: If or when linkage adjustment which is primarily how much free area is at the top of pedal travel is wrong than a clutch can "ride" itself and wear out prematurely.

Think of the clutch as just means to disconnect the engine from the drivetrain at the push of the clutch pedal which is really it's whole job - the linkage is there to allow it to do that at the right spot for the driver,

T



gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 11:20 AM

Post #5 of 33 (10469 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

oooh!.. I am afraid you have the facts straight ...

and I don't even know where to BEGIN when it comes to "tending" to the clutch !!

this is a "wood-hauler" .. and I like the truck .. just haven't been able to use it much !!

Thanks for the info -- you have been VERY helpful !!

I have a friend that does "shade tree" jobs from his garage .. he might just help out ..

Gary


gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 11:29 AM

Post #6 of 33 (10465 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

okay -- I am "redneck" of "country bunkin'" or something .. here is the truck [in attachment] I got it was all rusted out and was gray and red [really faded] .. and believe it or not for a 4x4 I wanted to make "fender skirts" for it .. now you know -- why I am NO mechanic!! :)


gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 11:30 AM

Post #7 of 33 (10462 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

let me try the attachment again .. hmmmm ..

humm again .. don't see the attachment but here goes ..



(From Tom - there you go - you don't have to open an attachment now - nice truck!)

(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Nov 18, 2008, 11:36 AM)
Attachments: attachment icon 87ford12.JPG (87.2 KB)


Tom Greenleaf
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Nov 18, 2008, 11:33 AM

Post #8 of 33 (10459 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Hey - a clutch on a 2wd F-150 isn't all that hard or expensive to diy! If you're up for it with a helper (couple spots where strength counts - trans is heavy) and some tools I'll help you get thru that one,

T



gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 11:45 AM

Post #9 of 33 (10449 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

.. it is a 4x4 -- harder?

thx much

Gary


gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 11:53 AM

Post #10 of 33 (10446 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Tom
i feel like this is taking advantage of you but here goes ..
I bought a 1991 Ford Ranger at an auction for $120 [hottest day we had had in ages -- small auction and people left early], anyway -- not the best looker but RAN Awesome!!

just recently -- it would run for a while then quit running --- it would stall sometimes but if I pulled the side of the road and let it coast -- pop the clutch it would start running again ..

the guys at AutoZone said it was the "ignition module" up by the radiator -- so I replaced it ..
still does it. Now it will not start at all ---

I tried to check the coil and plug wire - NOTHING .. no fire .. and I believe it is getting gas okay - it is a fuel injected unit ..

I have had it for 3 years -- NEVER failed to start and run --- but i did mess with the coil and condensor before putitng on the module .. and thought I got everything back okay ..

what would it be if it is not the ignition module -- the coil or condenser or is there a fuse somewhere?

thnks AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gary


gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 11:55 AM

Post #11 of 33 (10444 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Tom -- I thought I sent the last post to you but sent it to myself ..

anyway .. I thought if it took little to get the ranger running I wood have it to get wood until I could get the other larger truck fixed ..

crazy huh?

Gary


Loren Champlain Sr
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Nov 18, 2008, 4:36 PM

Post #12 of 33 (10434 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Hope it's okay if I jump in here? Every type of vehicle have their own little idiosyncrasies(mine is that I can't spell that word). Fords are notorious for ignition control modules and distributor pick-up coils going bad, causing the symptom you describe. Usually, they'll have to sit and cool for a bit before restarting. You may want to check the pickup coil before 'just replacing' it as there are other reasons an engine can die. Just a thought.
Loren
SW Washington


Tom Greenleaf
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Nov 18, 2008, 5:20 PM

Post #13 of 33 (10432 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

gdtractor: One model please per thread - it's too confusing and archived stuff will be worthless with two different models on same thread.

Loren: Please do jump in! That goes for anyone with ideas on these things.

Clutch on F-150. Done a bunch but just don't recall any that were 4X4 so don't know exactly what obsticles if any await.
The biggest deal with a clutch job is having clearance to remove transmission and the large RWD layouts of trucks make for plenty of room in general. Weight of trans must be supported from when last bolt is loosened to remove it till first one is tightened when installing or the weight can allow it to sag bending the clutch disc - that's the only time where some help is needed - either another person or some awesome equipment that holds stuff in place.

Fords of the era in general: Ign modules, pick up coils and fuel pump relays used to be 99% of the problems when they would just quit running. I litterally carry a whole spare dist in my trunk for these and a universal spare relay!



Loren Champlain Sr
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Nov 18, 2008, 5:41 PM

Post #14 of 33 (10426 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Thanks, Tom. Didn't want to step on anyone's toes. The 4X4's are a job. We do quite a few. Transfer case, we usually seperate from the trans. One, it is hard to 'balance' on the trans. jack if still attached to the trans., Two, VERY HEAVY as a one piece unit. Other than that, no real difference. Once you've done a clutch, they're all the sameSmile. Well, in general. LOL. Just did one on a VW GTI. Have no idea why I took it in? We, normally, don't work on Euros', but, got it done. Never again! Had a weak moment, I guess?
Loren
SW Washington


gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 5:44 PM

Post #15 of 33 (10424 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

thx so much for the input ..

the "pickup coil" .. is that what I would call the coil that is on top of the engine and I believe the condenser is located next to it .. ? is a pickup coil different than a regular coil?

and by the way -- the truck won't start at all now ..

again .. thx so much for your help ..

Gary


gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 5:52 PM

Post #16 of 33 (10422 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Ford clutch problem: thanks for info.

Ford with NO Start prob: where is the fuel pump relay please but wouldn't the "no spark" thing be indicitive of the coil?

Note: sorry for running two threads here .. { i have too much junk I guess}
I have a Chevy 2006 but hate sctratch it up hauling wood -- (and yes I have TOO MANY trucks).

GED


Loren Champlain Sr
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Nov 18, 2008, 5:55 PM

Post #17 of 33 (10420 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

The electronic ignition system that you have doesn't use a "condensor". The condensor that you see is more than likely for RFI. The pickup coil is built into the distributor. Fords do not have "user friendly" distributors and is a lot easier and cheaper in the long run to replace the distributor as a unit than to pay someone to replace the pickup coil. The older GMs were a piece of cake to replace the pickup coil. However, I'd want to do some more diagnosing before dropping in another distributorSmile.
Loren
SW Washington


gdtractor
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Nov 18, 2008, 6:28 PM

Post #18 of 33 (10416 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

thx .. I am not sure where to start .. but perhaps taking the coil off and letting AutoZone check it ..

again thx

Gary


Tom Greenleaf
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Nov 18, 2008, 6:40 PM

Post #19 of 33 (10413 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In


There's no "toe stepping" on me Loren. I simply haven't run across an F series truck 4X4 that wasn't also an automatic! Tons of "Three on the tree" standards.

By your description it sounds like wresling weight will be an issue for the 4X4 and could be a stopper for many and that's good to know,

T



Loren Champlain Sr
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Nov 18, 2008, 8:00 PM

Post #20 of 33 (10409 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Not surprised. Seems like the area of the US makes a big difference. When I started, in Los Angeles area, I had never worked on a 3/4 ton or a 4x4. In the NW, we see a lot of manual trans./4X4 vehicles. As common as Jose Cuervo. In our travels, I notice that a lot. Small towns in AK have more planes than cars. Funny. Varies from climate to climate. And, you guys, back east have much harder winters than us. Seems that there'd be MORE 4X4s than here? Three on the tree? VERY RARE!
Loren
SW Washington


gdtractor
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Nov 19, 2008, 9:08 PM

Post #21 of 33 (10385 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

well -- guys... I am not sure what I will do immediately with the 4x4 F150 but I think I will try and fix the Ranger so I can move some firewood from the woods. then I will try and take care of the F150. It has gotten quite cold here in Michigan .. so that will slow me down a little .. :)

Have a great week ..

Gary


gdtractor
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Nov 20, 2008, 7:43 PM

Post #22 of 33 (10369 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Guys .. can I put a 12 volt "charge" -- [with another battery] to the distributor wire to test the coil ?

or that .. NOT GOOD >.


gdtractor
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Nov 20, 2008, 7:44 PM

Post #23 of 33 (10366 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

I obviously have not seen too many .. but never seen a "three on the tree" truck in years !!

GED


gdtractor
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Nov 20, 2008, 7:46 PM

Post #24 of 33 (10364 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

I haven't had a chance to do anything with the "clutch truck" because it has started snowing here and trying to get wood in on extra time .. we burn wood totally at our house ..

but anxious to check and see if the slave cylinder has any fluid or enough in it ..

Gary


gdtractor
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Nov 21, 2008, 12:11 PM

Post #25 of 33 (10351 views)
Re: 1987 Ford f150 slave clutch problem Sign In

Tom
I checked the level of the fluid in the slave drive master cyl. and it is full ... but when pushing the clutch when it is running .. it doesn't sound like ANYTHING is moving ....
thought I would just update you since you have given me so much advice ...

is there another mechanism on the tranny/clutch housing that could be bad?

thx

Sorry for all the questions --

Gary






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