what kind of fluid in clutch MC

[tuloyuser]

I have a 1986 FJ60 stock 4sd, and its been shifting a little tough.
If I have to shift in reverse, I usually have to shift into first then reverse, to stop it from grinding. So any suggestions would be appreciated. I figure I'll go with the cheapest possible fix first:
I checked the MC fluid reservoir and it is very low. What kind of fluid goes in there?


Thanks for any info.

 

[AATLAS1X]

What kind of fluid goes in there?

Dot 3 Brake fluid...

 

[Derrick Willis]

Your MC takes brake fluid. Filling it up will likely take care of your problem. But check for leaks (at the brake pedal and at the slave clylinder near the clutch) after you fill it.

 

[Cruisergreg]

Filling it up will likely take care of your problem.

I disagree. Unless the fluid is so low that you've let air in the system then the level won't impact clutch actuation. With that said, I go ahead and bleed the system if you intend to top it up as that will remove any doubt about air in the lines causing your problem.

Your reverse synchro is probably getting weak; what you're doing by putting it in 1st is to slow down the spinning of the shaft so the synchro doesn't work as hard. Cold weather and/or extra thick oil in the tranny will exacerbate the problem.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I'm guessing you've got a leak at the slave cylinder. Let us know how it goes. Also, you should check the transmission fluid.

 

[FJ40Jim]

Your reverse synchro is probably getting weak; what you're doing by putting it in 1st is to slow down the spinning of the shaft so the synchro doesn't work as hard.

There is no syncro on reverse in a Cruiser tranny. Some weird trannies (ZF S5-42, porsche 944 & 928, Audi Quattro...) have syncro'ed reverse, but it's rare.

Another possible culprit could be a draggy pilot bearing.

 

[Cruisergreg]

There is no syncro on reverse in a Cruiser tranny. Some weird trannies (ZF S5-42, porsche 944 & 928, Audi Quattro...) have syncro'ed reverse, but it's rare.

I know the 5 spds (H150, I think) in some non-USA 70 and 80 series have a synchroed reverse. I know they're also found in Subarus, Hyundais and Mazdas (and certainly other brands) of the last 10 or 15 years. You're right that the 60 4spd is of old enough vintage to not have that feature, but I wouldn't call it weird or rare at this point.

 

[Godwin]

Another possible culprit could be a draggy pilot bearing.

Another vote that this is a possibility. A pilot bearing going out gave the same symptoms in my 60.

 

[bandy rooster]

dot 5 point something... its a combo of both the fluids that work together well without harming one and other if there mixed...

 

[tuloyuser]

Thanks everyone for the info,
Adding the DOT 3 Brake fluid today did the trick in fixing my tough shifting between 1st & 2nd. I'll inspect for leaks on the MC this weekend. It'll probably cost me more thant $3.99 (cost of the fluid) to fix the synchro (reverse) problem.

Thanks again.