Hi guys, I've been searching the existing threads but haven't found anything that really matches my problem.
I have a '98 F150 4.2l with manual transmission and intermittent clutch problems. At various times the clutch pedal will go through most of it's travel before I feel resistance and the clutch engages. When it does engage, it typically doesn't do so fully, so I have difficulty shifting in and out of gear, including grinding gears. As I said, this is intermittent and unpredictable but it seems to happen more often when it gets hotter. Usually at some point when I restart the truck the pedal behaves normally.
I've checked the fluid level and it is normal. Adding a little extra fluid seems to help for a while but the level hasn't been dropping. Any suggestions of what to look at/for? I'd rather not take this to the transmission shop again if I can help it.

Thank you,
Mike

 

Sounds like it might be time for a clutch kit and throw out bearings. If you are a little mechanically inclined, you can do the work yourself. Would be helpful to have an extra set of hands though

 

More often the slave cylinder on the clutch is going bad. If there's a lot of miles on the clutch I'd change all of it, surface the flywheel, pressure plate, clutch, throwout bearing and both hydraulic cylinders. Bleeding the hydraulic system can be very difficult so do some homework first. There are some great cheap tools that will help.