Clutch question

[Derf62]

FJ40 clutch was working fine, parked for one month but now no resistance and just grinding when trying to shift.
Slave rod extends 1.56 inches, removed flywheel cover to find the clutch pressure plate pushes disk 0.16 inch.
What should the disk be pushed off the flywheel?
What 's the fix?

 

[B y r o n]

If it was working fine then I would start by checking the fluid level in the reservoir. Actually remove the lid and look inside as fluid stain lines may foul you to believe it has fluid. Once that is verified try bleeding the slave cylinder as air may have formed in the system. If both those items are verified and appear to be working then is it possible the clutch disc hasn't just worn past its' limit, how many miles on it?

 

[Derf62]

I bled the lines, no air. I did replace the clutch about 20 years ago, only plow with it about 15 hours a year.
(But plowing is rough on a clutch).
I drove it every month just to keep parts moving and No problem previously noticed .
What could have happend while it was just parked?
Derf

 

[VPP]

FJ40 clutch was working fine, parked for one month but now no resistance and just grinding when trying to shift.
Slave rod extends 1.56 inches, removed flywheel cover to find the clutch pressure plate pushes disk 0.16 inch.
What should the disk be pushed off the flywheel?
What 's the fix?

0.16 is 5/32 and that is plenty of clearance between disk and clutch cover (pressure plate). I'm not sure why the pressure plate is moving the clutch disk unless the disk is rusted to the plate??? How many miles on the vehicle? Do you live in a high humidity area? When trying to shift, is it the first time you are trying to take off since the vehicle has been parked? Put the transmission in 4th gear, if parked and you can go forward, or reverse as appropriate, push in the clutch and start vehicle to break disk from cover.

 

[rlong]

What VPP said, I does happen, should be able to break it loose.

 

[Derf62]

0.16 is 5/32 and that is plenty of clearance between disk and clutch cover (pressure plate). I'm not sure why the pressure plate is moving the clutch disk unless the disk is rusted to the plate??? How many miles on the vehicle? Do you live in a high humidity area? When trying to shift, is it the first time you are trying to take off since the vehicle has been parked? Put the transmission in 4th gear, if parked and you can go forward, or reverse as appropriate, push in the clutch and start vehicle to break disk from cover.

IT WORKED. I had the rig up on stands, Started it in 3rd (It's a "71) Hit the brakes a few times and it broke free. Thanks

 

[Derf62]

What VPP said, I does happen, should be able to break it loose.

IT WORKED. I had the rig up on stands, Started it in 3rd (It's a "71) Hit the brakes a few times and it broke free. Thanks

 

[B y r o n]

Glad your solution wasn't more serious.

 

[Derf62]

Disk apparently was stuck to the shaft. I had the rig up on stands, removed the flywheel cover and sprayed P.B. Blaster on shaft.
Started it in 3rd (It's a "71) Hit the brakes a few times and it broke free. Thanks

 

[Derf62]

Glad your solution wasn't more serious.

I almost pulled the transmission and came close to ordering a $300-$480 clutch kit.
Maybe next year.

 

[Gotta40]

thats great it came loose. I've had the pressure plate break before and not release. thats always fun.

 

[VPP]

IT WORKED. I had the rig up on stands, Started it in 3rd (It's a "71) Hit the brakes a few times and it broke free. Thanks

Glad it worked for you, we have the same issue with the old Dodge Power-Wagons when they sit for awhile in humid areas.