Soft Clutch on 93 C1500

[jshort74]

This morning when I pushed the clutch to the floor to start my '93 C1500 with a 4.3 and a 5-speed manual, I noticed a "pop." From then on the clutch pedel has been "soft" and the clutch doesn't seem to engage until the pedel is almost all of the way up. Before the "pop" the clutch would engage throughout the travel of the pedel, as I would expect. Does anyone have any idea what is going on?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[MT-2500]

Out side or inside slay cylinder?

[jshort74]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Out side or inside slay cylinder?

I quess I'm not sure what you are asking?

[MT-2500]

Start at the clutch master cylinder and see if it is full of fluid.
Then follow thw fluid line from it down to the transmission to the slay cylinder.
Is the slay cylinder mounted on the outside of transmission or on the inside?

[jshort74]

It is on the outside of the tranny.

I read in my Hanes manual about removing this part, but the hydraulic fitting on the end of this thing doesn't look like any in the book or any I have ever seen. The outside of the cylinder is black plastic. There are no wrench flats on the fitting going into the cylinder and there is a small hollow pin of some sort positioned somewhat like a screw on a hose clamp in relation to the hydraulic fitting. Does any one know how to remove the hydraulic line? Does anyone have any other idea why I might be experiencing this soft clutch and engagment only when the pedal is all of the way released?

[jshort74]

Update: I noticed a different symptom this moring on the way into work. The clutch slip for a second or two just after I let off the clutch pedal and give it some gas. The more gas the more slip. The clutch seems to grab after that. If I let off of the clutch and don't give it any gas for a second or two or I am real easy on the gas, I don't notice the sliping.

[MT-2500]

If it is slipping it may be a weak clutch.
First thing is the clutch master cylinder full of fluid?
If the clutch is also slipping check for slay cylinder releasing or free play on plunger?

If free play with clutch released and clutch is slipping under a load or a pull.
It is time for a new clutch.
High gear under a load is the best gear to check for clutch slipping.
MT

[jshort74]

Thanks for your help. If the clutch was worn out wouldn't if be a more gradual failure? All of this, the soft pedal, clutch grabing at the top of the pedal stroke, and the slipping all started when I pushed the clutch and heard a "pop."

How do I "check for slay cylinder releasing or free play on plunger" Do I unbolt the slay cylinger and and try to push or pull out the piston rod? Do I have some one push on the clutch and look for smooth movement? Sorry, for all of the question, this is new territory for me.

[777stickman]

From your description I would suspect something broke. Could be the throw-out arm or bearing or a spring or finger on the pressure plate. Really sounds like new clutch time.

[MT-2500]

Just go to the slay cylinder and see if the clutch release bearing fork has any slack or movement in it.
If you can not push it in or out you have no free travel.
Run it by a repair shop and let them have a look at it.
But as said it sounds like something broke in there and clutch slipping points to.
You need a new clutch.
Good Luck MT