Stuck Clutch?

[lg405]

I just had to drag home another project the other day (1979 40 2f ) and now frustrated. Clutch pedal is VERY hard to push down and doesn't disengage. I let pressure off at the slave cylinder bleeder so was able to get a little slack in push rod. Seems the clutch arm or pressure plate is stuck? Can anyone tell me the probable cause?

 

[edwjmcgrath]

Disconnect or loosen the rod between the slave and the clutch. If the problem goes away, it's in the linkage/pressure plate/clutch. If it doesn't go away, it's in the hydraulics.

 

[sggoat]

Seems like if you had another pair of feet they could push the clutch in and you watch the slave/clutch arm work. If it doesn't show anything, do as edwjmcgrath says and disconnect the slave, then try again-if the slave moves ok-it's in the clutch

 

[edwjmcgrath]

Goat, if the slave rod is connected, you can't really tell frozen clutch from frozen master or slave.

If you disconnect them, you can see if the hydraulics are moving. JMO.

 

[lg405]

I disconnected the slave push rod and pushed the pedal down. Was still pretty hard but went all the way. So it must be hydraulic. I wonder if it might get better if I flush with new fluid? PO said slave had been replaced and it looks likely.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi all,

Experience says it is best to replacement the clutch master and slave as a pair, as if you replace one without the other, the older part will fail soon.

Good luck with the project!

Alan

 

[edwjmcgrath]

I disconnected the slave push rod and pushed the pedal down. Was still pretty hard but went all the way. So it must be hydraulic. I wonder if it might get better if I flush with new fluid? PO said slave had been replaced and it looks likely.

If you have any doubt, drain the slave while filling the master until the fluid from the slave is clear. Won't take much fluid and I doubt that it'll fix your problem. But it's worth a shot.

Given what you've said, I'd say you've got a bad master and I'd replace it.

 

[lg405]

I removed the master and checked it out, seems ok, piston moves smoothly so I reinstalled it and flushed the line. Removed the slave and flushed it out. Piston seemed to move smoothly so I reinstalled it. Bled a little and #### still very hard pedal. And oh ya i pulled the access cover on the clutch/flywheel and pry'd a little on the clutch arm. Seems to move ok. WTF?
I've ordered a new master and slave. I'll install the slave first and see what happens.

 

[lg405]

Well I changed out both master and slave and whatta you know. Same problem. Bled out the system and blew out the steel line so i opted for a teflon/steel braided hose to run the entire length. Installed it and that fixed it. So it must have been the corroded line or the rubber hose broken down. Thanks for the replies!
Now on to the brake system rebuild!

 

[sggoat]

Got that-thanks

Goat, if the slave rod is connected, you can't really tell frozen clutch from frozen master or slave.

If you disconnect them, you can see if the hydraulics are moving. JMO.

 

[sggoat]

This one blew by me--seems if the hose circuit was blocked, would have shown up as no movement in the slave---these trucks always amaze me--
Glad you got the solution--roll on!

 

[edwjmcgrath]

Well it WAS the hydraulics...
At least you didn't have to pull the transmission and replace the clutch.

Brakes work the same way. Good luck.