Clutch fade??

Todd Hedges · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2002, 06:01 AM

Bob,

For some reason, the Richmond 5 speed is giving me a hard time
when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and 3 to 4th under
high rpms. (5000+)

Aslo if I hold the clutch pedal down for more than
15 seconds(like at the x-mas tree)
the clutch slowly fads and loses pressure and I can't
get in or out of gear until I pump it back up.

Oh well time to trouble shoot.

Thanks for the help.
Todd

mr0077 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2002, 07:15 AM

Todd, similar problem here with my Toploader...no probs for first 2000 miles, but lately I'm having a tough time with 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts at higher (5000+) rpm. I also noticed that when cold the clutch works okay, but when it gets hot, or when you "flog" it, the free play at the top, and the pedal position where the clutch engages, both move toward the floor, and the amount of clutch release (free movement from fully depressed to beginning of clutch engagement) gets smaller. It's gotta be in my clutch hydraulics (I hope!). I just got through adding a return spring, and bleeding and readjusting the pedal height and clearances for the 4th time. Bob, any suggestions?

mr0077 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2002, 06:40 PM

Todd, did a bit of troubleshooting today, and I'm pretty sure it's in my hydraulics. Looks like I had a slightly loose hose at the slave cylinder that was letting it suck air (?) Anyhow, reset all of the clutch rod adjustments, etc. and it is shifting fine now. time will tell. LOL

Bob Putnam · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2002, 05:12 AM

Guys,

Make sure that you've got enough free play in the adjustment rod when the slave is fully bottomed out. It sounds like when things expand from the heat, you're coming up short. It also probably wouldn't hurt to flush with some new brake fluid too. DOT 3 preferred. NOT DOT 5.

Todd Hedges · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2002, 06:04 AM

Thanks for the info.
I'll see what i can do.