Lost my clutch (hyd/Tremec)

[GreenFish]

On my way to work, nice day so I drove the Cuda.  30 miles or so on the highway, almost make it in and no clutch.  I limp it to a parking lot and call a tow truck.

I havent got a good look at it yet but taking suggestions on what it could be.

I have pedal pressure, and fluid in the reservoir. When i push in on the pedal the clutch does not engage. I'm thinking throw out but wouldnt it leak if it was bad? Not much else to go wrong with a hyd clutch. 

[bigblue73]

Oh yeah you'll get a leak.  Any fluid dipping anywhere?  From the master cylinder or from under the clutch area.  What type of bell housing are you running?

[bigblue73]

After thinking about this a little longer.  The throw out bearings are spring return.  Is your clutch fully engaged (Stuck in gear and transferring power to the rear) or dis-engaged (meaning you are free wheeling with no power to the rear).

[GreenFish]

After thinking about this a little longer.  The throw out bearings are spring return.  Is your clutch fully engaged (Stuck in gear and transferring power to the rear) or dis-engaged (meaning you are free wheeling with no power to the rear).

I can put it in gear and try to start it, the car goes in gear no problem when the engine is off. It will lurch/jump/move on the starter. Once in neutral while running, I cannot re-engage any gear.

[GreenFish]

Oh yeah you'll get a leak.  Any fluid dipping anywhere?  From the master cylinder or from under the clutch area.  What type of bell housing are you running?

Thats what I thought, no fluid leaking at this time. Reservoir isnt that big so any leak would probably drain it quick. Reservoir is still full. Lakewood bell housing

[ntstlgl1970]

If there are no leaks, just make sure that the pushrod for the clutch master is not preloading the piston (all works the same as a brake master cylinder). Hope it is something simple like that

[GreenFish]

If there are no leaks, just make sure that the pushrod for the clutch master is not preloading the piston (all works the same as a brake master cylinder). Hope it is something simple like that

Not quite following you,  Do you mean the slave cylinder?

[ntstlgl1970]

If there are no external leaks and the clutch pedal does not "pump up" , then on the clutch master cylinder, does the pushrod from the clutch pedal have an adjustment where it attaches to the clutch pedal? There should be very little to no preload on that linkage. If that is ok, have someone look at where the clutch master cylinder mounts to the car while you operate the clutch to check for deflection, then if that is ok check for deflection at the transmission depending on how the slave is mounted. 

[GreenFish]

havent had a chance to look at it yet, ill let ya know what happens

[GreenFish]

ok so I just had a look at it, had my wife operate the pedal while i watched the clutch.

The throwout is operating, What seems to be happening is it doesn't  engage the clutch far enough to shift. why would this just all of a sudden start happening?

[GreenFish]

So I'm going to try a new brand of throw out bearing and see how that works out. Classic Mopar 5-speed used a Ram unit.  I never like the unit from Keisler anyhow.

[Challenger III]

  Let us know what you come up with. I'm probably going the same route you went with. It will be nice to know what works.

[ntstlgl1970]

So I'm going to try a new brand of throw out bearing and see how that works out. Classic Mopar 5-speed used a Ram unit.  I never like the unit from Keisler anyhow.

Does your current setup use an external slave cylinder that actuates a clutch fork or is it a collar type that fits over the throwout bearing support on the front of the trans? Most of this stuff is adapted factory parts from other cars so knowing what you have currently helps. Have any pictures?

[GreenFish]

This is the kit I currently have that Kiesler sells

[OxfordMotorSports]

    1   Front seal fails, or pitting of cylinder wall. Fluid leaks back towards the reservoir instead of pumping out the outlet pipe. This will result in reduced or no slave piston movement. The effects may vary with a borderline seal. (rebuild or replace master cylinder)

    2 Air in system- master, line, or slave cylinder. Air compresses, resulting in reduced piston movement, as above, & soft pedal. (bleed system)

    3 Rear seal fails, fluid leaks out the back of the master cylinder body, possibly onto the drivers foot. (R/R master cylinder)

    4 Piston doesn't return completely due to crud or rough surface. Cylinder remains partially pressurized, and slave doesn't return, leaving clutch in intermediate state. This may leak back slowly. (R/R master cylinder)

    5 Blockage of inlet - shortage of fluid, reduced piston travel, mushy pedal. (R/R master cyl.)

    6 Blockage of outlet -Hard pedal &/or fluid blows back past front seal. (R/R master cylinder)


Todd