Well it is that time again. Time for another 10,000 mile update. The truck hit 30,000 miles a week or two ago and is still running very well, (July 10, 2015 through December 1, 2015). There have been a couple small issues but nothing serious enough to leave me sitting on the side of the road.
As mentioned in an earlier post, the clutch slave cylinder went out at 17,000 miles and was replaced. Well, it went out again at 28,000 miles, along with the clutch master cylinder the same day. I first noticed a small amount of fluid dripping under the clutch pedal on my floor mat. I knew right away that it was coming from the clutch master cylinder. Later that same day I noticed a small puddle under the truck directly below the clutch slave cylinder. Sure enough, that was leaking as well.
Both times that the clutch system started leaking I was within 10 miles of home. That was just coincidence, it very easily could have happened on the other side of the state. Getting home wasn't much of an issue, it just required stopping every 3 miles and topping off the reservoir. I was lucky and noticed the leak before the system had lost pressure. Leaking isn't a problem; running out of fluid and losing pedal pressure is the problem. When that happens it's a tow truck job or a pretty big pain in the a$$ repair on the side of the road!
Because I have had to deal with this issue twice now I decided that I should first increase the amount of fluid in the system. This may not solve future issues but will give me a little more warning and wiggle room when first discovering the problem and also in getting home while dealing with the issue. My solution was to have a clutch fluid reservoir fabricated that would hold up to 8 oz. of Dot 3 fluid. The OE reservoir holds about three table spoons!
The one above is the 5oz. version. I had mine extended slightly to hold a full 8oz.
The leaking clutch slave cylinder and clutch master cylinder were both replaced with new pieces. Replaced at no charge, great warranty, not so great quality!
I think the problem with the parts failure is the junk aftermarket cheep Chinese parts that are currently being sold at most of the retail parts stores. I have had more problems with AC components, hydraulic components, starters, etc. recently than ever before. It the problem persists I will probably go back to purchasing OE Manufacturer parts from Ford Motor Company.
Problem number two, AC cycling switch! After switching out several (6) aftermarket switches and several (3) accumulators because of a slow refrigerant leak, I went ahead and installed a new factory Ford cycling switch. Problem solved. No more leak! Another junk part problem.
Problem number three, Starter! Brand new starter lasted five months. Granted, I do start my truck about 40 times per day, but it should still last longer than five months. Replaced at no charge, great warranty, not so great quality!
Problem number four, welded exhaust hangers! Because of vibration the weaken welded metal hangers are splitting at the bend. This has happened twice now. I am going back to clamped hangers at the tail pipe. These can be replaced quickly and easily at home if needed and won't require a repair shop to do any welding. The tail pipe hangers are hidden and the clamps can be turned upside down so they don't show at all.
Here are a few more windshield photos of the Ranger's travels through old rural Florida.
Heading home from West Palm Beach I passed Lion Country Safari. I visited this place back in 1970 as a child and would like to return some day for another drive through. Good to know it is still there.
Cutting through the sugar cane fields of South Florida. Tall cane before it is cut.
After it is cut before the ground is scorched.
Scorched earth!
It goes on for miles long after the curvature of the earth rolls over the horizon.
Finishing out the drive home with a little old school rock!
See you all around 50,000 miles for another update!
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