Diesel soaked clutch... - Diesel Forum

fleeferfla · 05-17-2005, 05:04 PM

I was driving my new (to me) truck home last night from work and smelled diesel. I pulled over and popped the hood, noticing diesel dripping everywhere. After a lot of looking, I found the gasket to the fuel filter top was pushed out from it's seat allowing diesel to spray all over everything. I reseated the gasket (replaced with a new filter and gasket when I got home...) and started down the highway. I now have the problem with my clutch slipping. Not all the time, but when I get the turbo to spool-up.

I'm sure this can't be good for the clutch disc, but will I need to invest in a new clutch, or is this something that will eventually clear-up on it's own?

Is there any way to check the thickness of the clutch disc? I don't know if it has ever been replaced, so I'd rather find out now before I get half way to Mount Rushmore in 2 weeks!!

Thanks Guys!

Rafe

ChrisMartinTX · 05-17-2005, 07:19 PM

when my fuel pump started leaking it got on my clutch... it slipped a couple of times and must have cooked off. now this was a year ago and my clutch is still ok but mine only slipped a few times. if yours still still doing it any not getting any better then it may be fouled up enough to require replacement. it only takes 5 hours or less on a 2wd i would do it if it doesn't get any better.

oh yea... does it slip and keep slipping or does it slip and then i assume heat up cook it off and grip (this is what mine did)?

Fat Diesel · 05-17-2005, 07:24 PM

I had the same thing happen, except it was a little bit of wire loom that got caught in the cap...

I was able to "burn the clutch" on a really steep hill over and over until it burnt all the diesel off the disc and pressure plate. It worked well for a short while then the clutch started its downward spiral. I think the diesel washed the grease off the throwout bearing, the pilot bearing, and maybe even the clutch assy itself.

Pretty soon I was the proud owner of a new LUK with the kevlar bushing.

TruckerDon · 05-17-2005, 10:19 PM

Mine did the same thing. I kept driving it, and about 6 mos. later I had to replace the clutch assy. because it had gotten hard to shift, and the throwout bearing started squealing. The diesel had washed the grease out of the pilot bearing and the TO bearing. Input shaft was scored a bit. I replaced the pilot bearing with a bronze pilot bushing. 6 months later and 22k miles, all is good.

Oh, and my diesel problem was caused by a bracket rubbing a hole in the passenger side fuel line

D.

fleeferfla · 05-17-2005, 11:35 PM

It will slip for a little bit and then start to grab. I am worried to let it slip too much. I don't want to heat check the flywheel. How much have you guys spent on a decent mechanic to replace the clutch? I have A.D.D and all the shiny tools distract me... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Seriously, I don't have the tools to tackle a job like that.

Thanks for the response guys!

Rafe

P.s, It's 4wd...

ChrisMartinTX · 05-17-2005, 11:44 PM

eek the t-case adds a bit to the job but you really don't need anything besides ratchets... air make its nice but don't absolutely have to have. other than that just "need" a transmission jack. can be done with a floor jack just a bit of wrestling involved. but look around there are some semi-shade tree guys around here that'll do a clutch in anything for 50-150 bucks. just gotta find someone you can trust.

kmans777 · 05-18-2005, 06:55 AM

When you do change the clutch get a LuK upgrade kit. Better than stock. Cost ya a lil bit more but well worth it. It's what I did and I'm pleased. Bought it from www.thedieselsite.com. Paid $545.00 + $45.00 shipping. Paid a local shop to put it in. About $345.00 if I remember right. I would have done it myself but garage wasn't big enough and driveway is on a slope.