slipping clutch

[gpn50]

1995 escort...while driving, engine revs but car goes no faster. Sounds like a slipping clutch? I had the clutch replaced less than 25,000 miles ago and the car is not abused. Any other suggestions.

[mightymoose_22]

It's a clutch problem, sorry dude

It could possibly be an oil leak which is spilling on to the clutch... but it all requires the clutch to come out again anyway.

[tripletdaddy]

MM22, can it be adjusted? I know on my pickup, I had the clutch contaminated, but rather than slip, it would grab something fierce or grab and release repeatedly really hard shaking the truck. Once engaged, I had no slippage, but I sure didn't like changing gears. Tore up a couple pinion yokes too. No fun.

[mightymoose_22]

There are no adjustments on this clutch. It is a simple hydraulic clutch.
No matter what the problem is, whether an actual clutch problem or some sort of leakage, the clutch is going to have to come out. Also, be sure the flywheel is resurfaced, is within specs, and is clean.

My own experience some years ago was with an oil leak from the rear main seal. Accelerating too fast would cause slipping. It sounds like this car is getting to a certain rpm where it just can't keep a grip anymore.

[doberman_52]

What would cause a clutch to slip sometimes, but not all the time?

[AzTumbleweed]

On the backside of your cluctch pedal is a pushrod that is adjustable. This adjusts the freeplay. Your problem could be that you have no freeplay. My manual says the freeplay should be 1/4 to 1/2 an inch.

[doberman_52]

And how do you see if there is or isnt any free play? And if not, how do you adjust that? Would that maybe fix the problem with having to mash the clutch pedal to start it, or is that the neutral position sensor needing adjustment too?

[AzTumbleweed]

[doberman_52]

ok, its got some freplay in it, but almost seems like it might be a bit excessive. Is there any way to adjust the neutral switch? I would prefer not to jam my clutch in every time I start my car. Otherwise to adjust the pedal, you have to adjust the pushrod lock nut?

[AzTumbleweed]

If it has too much freeplay then that's NOT why your clutch is slipping.

The switch is adjustable but I think the picture may be wrong. I think on my car there are two switches. The one you need to adjust is closer to the firewall. You can see it if you can get your head down there

[doberman_52]

Ok, So just loosen it and move it? Is it bad to have about and inch, to and inch and a half freeplay in the pedal? Im thinking the clutch needs to just be replaced, but im hopeing i wont have to many problems with it for a while.

[AzTumbleweed]

I'd think it is OK as long as the car doesn't try to move with it in gear and clutch peda depredded.

[doberman_52]

Actually it does, I cant park in my friends driveway because it will roll back while in gear. So it would probably be a good idea to adjust? Ill be taking a look at it tomorow.

[mightymoose_22]

You have something that will require more than a pedal adjustment. These clutches shouldn't require any kind of adjustment. I've never had to adjust one. If something feels wrong it is usually related to low fluid.

Remove the inspection cover from the bottom of the tranny at the flywheel and have a look in there. You should be able to tell if there is a leak or if the clutch or flywheel is in bad shape.

You said you only have trouble when accelerating. If the car otherwise acts normally when cruising around at low speeds, then there is something wrong where the clutch meets the flywheel.

[doberman_52]

I can ussually only push on the gas maybe an inch more then where it is at before it will start to slip. It really doesnt matter what speed im going. As long as I am staping the same speed or accelerating slowly, im fine. The pedal has about an iinch to an inch and a half of free play. The master cylinder has plenty of fluid, even before I did my brakes the other day it had plenty. This has been going on for about a month, if not more. I will check that out this week if I can.