Clutch Slipping (Page 1/2)
willyt JUL 09, 05:03 PM
This is my second time posting on this topic, but it's a bit of a different situation, so I thought I'd make a new thread. Here's my situation:

1. My clutch has been slipping in 5th gear at about 3/4 throttle for around 6 months now. I assume it needs a clutch, I was trying to limp it along until this winter. I was able to drive it without the clutch ever slipping.
2. Around the same time, it became very hard to get into gear. I found the slave was leaking, so I replaced it. This fixed the shifting issue, but not the slipping issue.
3. This weekend I installed Rodney's short shifter, and rebuilt the shifter and select thingy at the transmission with Rodney's parts (This may have been the best money I've ever spent - total game changer)
4. About an hour of driving later, My clutch started slipping in 3rd and 4th gear under just moderate throttle. This is the first time I have ever really felt it slip without trying to make it slip.
5. I just checked on my clutch fluid, it is pretty dirty, but full.

I assume I need a clutch, but I did find it odd that it started slipping much worse after messing with the shifter and cables. I can't think of how this would affect the clutch, I assume it's just a coincidence, but I wanted to check with you folks to see if anyone had ideas of anything to check before dropping the cradle.

With the way it's driving now, it looks like i'll be starting on it next weekend.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Patrick JUL 09, 05:11 PM

I suspect with the improvement in shifting, that you were perhaps driving with a bit more "enthusiasm"... and basically sped up the process of the already failing clutch.
willyt JUL 09, 05:14 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:


I suspect with the improvement in shifting, that you were perhaps driving with a bit more "enthusiasm"... and basically sped up the process of the already failing clutch.



Yes.... I may have been having too much fun....
Mark_j JUL 10, 12:17 AM
That's kind of the way it goes with clutches. One day things are working right and the next, nothing.
willyt JUL 10, 03:58 PM
This brings up another question. How likely is it that I can make an hour drive with a clutch that's almost gone? I have a nice barn an hour away that would be perfect to do the clutch in, but I'm a little bit nervous about making the drive.
Patrick JUL 10, 04:17 PM

quote
Originally posted by willyt:

I have a nice barn an hour away that would be perfect to do the clutch in, but I'm a little bit nervous about making the drive.



Any really steep hills?

I drove my first Fiero back in the 90's for months with a slipping clutch. You'd probably be fine.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-10-2022).]

willyt JUL 10, 04:23 PM
Yes… a few big hills. I wouldn’t be that mad if I didn’t make it and had to grab a tow, I just want to be reasonably sure I can make it before I go out there.
Mark_j JUL 10, 05:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by willyt:

This brings up another question. How likely is it that I can make an hour drive with a clutch that's almost gone? I have a nice barn an hour away that would be perfect to do the clutch in, but I'm a little bit nervous about making the drive.



I wouldn't. Trailer or dolly it but don't try to go an hour with the clutch like that.. You'll take a big chance that you'll end up stranded on the side of the road.
Patrick JUL 10, 05:17 PM

quote
Originally posted by willyt:

I wouldn’t be that mad if I didn’t make it and had to grab a tow...



What's the worst that could happen? It's not like you might be stranded in a war zone with no way to escape. If it would make you feel more comfortable, contact your favorite towing company prior to making the one hour journey, just to confirm that someone with a tow truck would be available if you can't reach your destination.

As I previously stated, I drove for months with a slipping clutch. Obviously you take off as gently as possible, and turn down any/all offers to race.
willyt JUL 10, 05:59 PM
Good points made here, I'll have to do a little bit more research, but I like the idea of having a truck on standby.

One more question if y'all don't mind:

My engine and trans both leak, I'm planning on doing axle seals while the transmission is out, but I want to fix the oil leak as well. I was planning on doing a few gaskets like distributer o ring and valve covers. Are there any other gaskets I should replace while i'm in there?