hey guys, got a question if a clutch catches at the top of the peddal does that meen its going out, and chatter in the clutch is that a tell tail sign of a bad one?

 

Was wondering if this is a hyd clutch or a mechanical linkage. If the later, it should be adjustable to give more free play. If hydraulic, most likely its getting thin, is there any slippage under load in second or third?

Chattering is a horrible symptom and sometimes we have to live with it. It is not an absolute sign of a worn out clutch.

 

How would I be able to tell? It's a pretty old truck so it's probably mechanical. Hyd clutches use brake fluid rite?

 

it's most likely hydrolic. My clutch engages at the top of the pedal and chatters like a bitch, I just learned to feather the clutch to make it stop some. When I start to get some slip I'll replace EVERYTHING.

What year is your truck?

 

Well it's either a 74 or a 77. It's titled as a 77 but it has drum brakes all the way around and I don't think they did that any more by then. It's got parts from lots of different trucks I think..it's a f100 4x4 with a crate 351 and a granny four speed, lots of power n ****y brakes...but I like it

 

I don't think the hydraulic stuff came in play untill the 80's, as far as the brakes go and being a light weight F100 either is possible. Wish I was a guru, but I'm not, remember this, I have a 73, dual piston disc brakes in the front and 3" drum in the rear, but it is a Camper Special. My point is ordering options available some 30+ years ago.

Look up under truck and have a helper press clutch, the linkage you see mooving will have an adjustment nut. Move it in the direction to give you at leat 1/2 to 1" free play. As I stated in a prior entry, it will slip in higher gears under load if its toast.

 

Like it has already been said, try adjusting the clutch first. That should bring your pedal down and it might even help with the chatter. Maybe! Chattering can be caused by one or a combination of things. Possible warped flywheel. Warped or bad pressure plate. Bad, worn out or even contaminated (like with oil maybe) clutch disc. Bad throw out bearing. Hey, I've even seen a loose flywheel cause a shudder before. Anyway, yeah. If adjusting it doesn't help and/or it slips, you're probably gonna need a new clutch. But hey, it'll be fun.

 

Thanks guys. All the advice I'm getting on this site is super helpful and much appreciated