Strange Clutch Failure Mode

[griggs]

In my quest to fix the clutch in my 96 R 3.0L 2WD I have encountered, what to me, is a strange failure mode. The clutch will not disengage, sometimes. Now here is the strange part. If I start the engine with the tranny in neutral the clutch will not disengage to allow shifting into any gear. Not going anywhere! But if I start with the tranny already in a gear (any gear) I can then drive and shift, well pretty good. And it is repeatable.The hydraulic master and slave cylinders have been bled and pressing the clutch pedal moves the throwout bearing about 1/2 inch moving the clutch pressure plate finger the same amount. And there is no loose metal in the bottom of the bell housing. I am still presuming I need a new clutch but has this ever happened to any of you guys? Other thoughts?
Jerry in Kingston, WA

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

your clutch is not disengaging fully for whatever reason. thus, when you start in neutral, the engine spins the transmission and you cannot enter a gear.

on these trucks, this is usually a hydraulic issue. you might try re-bleeding the system (note, its next to impossible to fully bleed the master cylinder with it bolted to the firewall) and see if that helps.

 

[griggs]

You are so right on!

Wicked Sludge,
Followed your advice and guess what? Everything seems back to a normal operating clutch. Local mobile mechanic and I agree the clutch master cylinder may be flakey so going to change that. I feel so embarrased asking for so much help about R&Ring the tranny when I guess I don't have to now. So thanks everyone. I did learn a lot. And maybe a get to keep a few bucks in my pocket for a while longer.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i wouldnt say your out of the woods yet...all you've done is confirm a leak in the hydraulic system.

it would be a good idea to crawl under the truck and, on the drivers side of the bellhousing, pull the inspection plug out and peak inside with a flashlight. look for any oil contamination on the slave or in the bottom of the bellhousing.