1986 2.9 5-spead - sudden loss of clutch pedal pressure

[beerhunter]

Hi

Thanks all for your recent help regarding the engine bogging. I got that sorted and it was running better than ever.

Then, out of the blue, I got in to use it and the clutch pedal had zero pressure, and it wouldn't go in to any gear (it will engage any gear with engine off, so presumably not a gearbox issue).

The pedal comes back up, but it feels like it's not connected to anything it's so easy to press.

The level in the reservoir was fine, so it isn't leaking fluid (or if it is, then it's a tiny amount - the truck is greasy as h*ll underneath so tricky to spot any new leaks, but there was no spot on the ground).

I tried bleeding but this had no effect. I will have another go as I was using a new-fangled bleeder that actually made it harder, so will try again with a bit of hose and a one-way valve. But if it is air in the system, then it must have come from somewhere.

It had a new clutch and new genuine Ford slave about 2 years ago and has been fine with regards to the clutch since then (until now).

Can a slave be faulty without leaking? I put it in gear and then switched the engine on and it would drive, so the hydraulics appear to be at fault, rather than the plates. Are there any tests I can use on the slave before dropping the gearbox?

The brakes seem fine, which suggests to me that the master is OK, but again - any tips on how o test this before buying a replacement?

Many thanks.

 

[rubydist]

Either the slave or the master can fail without leaking externally, so you will need to investigate which is the issue.

The brakes have nothing to do with the clutch release system.

 

[beerhunter]

Thanks for the reply. The clutch and brakes appear to share the same reservoir, hence referencing them.

Does anyone have any tips for checking/testing the slave and the master, so I can ascertain which is at fault?

And is the hard plastic line that connects the two remanufactured by anyone? I will also (try to) check it for pinholes/hairline cracks, but can't find these for sale.

Thanks

 

[SenorNoob]

I was able to get the newer style line. IDK about the older one.

 

[4x4junkie]

A buddy of mine had this same thing happen to his '93 (clutch pedal dead (no pressure) acting as if it had come disconnected). It was the master cyl.
I don't believe there is any failure mode for a slave cyl that wouldn't show up as a leak... Either it works, or it leaks (or maybe occasionally a little of both lol, but never neither).

Thanks for the reply. The clutch and brakes appear to share the same reservoir, hence referencing them.

You sure about that? I have never seen that on a Ford, myself... I thought only Toyota did that, but then again, I've never owned a 1st-gen Ranger ('83-'88), so maybe there's still something left for me to learn?

 

[Terrys87]

I just replaced my 87 Clutch Master Cylider today. No leaks but would lose pressure. Not a terrible job but not fun either. Haynes maual is not the best and not much on Youtube. Somethings I did at the bottom of thread that may help you.

My 87 Ranger I will be restoring soon I want to keep track of my progress and add information as I find it.

JoshT…. If you were the one asking I meant it for the Fuel Door, I meant it for you then. I must of misread the post. I figured you meant it for me. I just wasn't sure if you were saying that you'd found the unicorn fuel door, or if you were telling those other two guys that I Was the unicorn...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[beerhunter]

Hi, many thanks to all for the replies. I have ordered a new master (about time I got another Rockauto magnet!) so just waiting on that to arrive.

Terrys87 - thanks for taking the time to post those photos. Haynes seem to make it policy to photograph stuff that is incredibly obvious, but never anything awkward/unusual/useful.

 

[beerhunter]

I was able to get the newer style line. IDK about the older one.

Sounds like I need to pull the line in order to bleed the new master cyl, so should then see if there's any damage.

Can I ask where you got yours? Thanks

 

[SenorNoob]

Oreilly's

 

[Terrys87]

If by chance you need the clutch safety switch. Orielly could not find one. LMC trucks them. I just now ordered one for myself from them.

 

[beerhunter]

Hi,

Only been for a very brief test-drive, but I swapped out the master cylinder and I can change gears again.

Thanks all for your help.