83 ranger clutch engages sometimes

[83rangers]

I have been looking around and can't find anything to really pin point what is wrong. I just bought a 83 ranger 4x4 that has sat for 8 years. Clutch worked great for 2 days now it works for a block then you let the clutch out and it just spins. Some times you can drive it a mile and it's slips a little while driving then you stop and it won't move again. You can give it gas with the clutch engaged and you smell the clutch spinning and you let off the gas and then a huge clunk happens like it's trying to go but then it just slips again. It's almost like there is air in the hydraulic line but the clutch peddle is still stiff. Just not sure where to start.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Just a guess;
the rust has worn off and it's back to slipping like it did when it was parked.

 

[83rangers]

Do you think it would be worth my time to bleed the hydraulic system or are you thinking it's more than likely the clutch? When my buddy parked it the truck ran great and the clutch was fine.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It doesn't sound like air in the system but it doesn't hurt to rule that out. Bleeding is fairly cheap and quick. When air is in the system the clutch doesn't release all the way. Symptoms would be hard shifting and maybe lurching forward while starting. What you describe leads me to believe the clutch is worn out. Maybe the fingers in the clutch are somehow not working or sticking but I'm not knowledgeable enough and can't think of other reasons. Maybe some other members have input?

Richard

 

[RonD]

Yes ^^^

Clutch systems "default" or natural state is engaged.
Sign of air in the system is when clutch won't disengage flywheel from input shaft, i.e. you can't get transmission into gear without shutting off the engine.

Could be slave piston is not coming back all the way, but either way, you will need to drop the trans and replace slave, pressure plate, pilot bearing and clutch disc