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EFV-8 Club Forum / Light Commercial Truck Discussion / Clutch pedal return

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Discussion Topic: Clutch pedal return

banjoQ

07-16-2013 @ 11:39 AM

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I have a 36' truck with a 37' cab running an 8BA motor. This truck was stored for decades in S.F. After some work, I have been driving it for the last couple of months. Recently I noticed that the clutch pedal is no longer returning completely. I should say that this clutch was stuck upon dragging it out of the shed. We were able to free it and it worked quite well until now. I have checked the adjustment clevis on the clutch rod and the return spring is intact. Currently the clutch still works, but I am worried that it's days are numbered. Any ideas as to what might have let go? Throwout bearing or pressure plate? Just kind of curious as to what to expect when it comes apart. For now I am going to keep driving to a minimum till I can make it right.
On another subject, I believe the truck has 4:11 gears in the rear. I have not run the truck over 50mph. I do not want to run the motor too hard. Is this to be expected and normal. With the 8BA it really jumps if you get into the throttle too much. But the top speed remains 45 or so. Only good for surface roads and short hops on the Coast Highway. Just wondering.

supereal

07-16-2013 @ 2:43 PM

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Any time a vehicle is stored for a long time, it isn't unusual for that kind of problem. Be sure that the clutch pedal is free on its shaft. It probably has a grease fitting. Next, check the clutch release shaft on the clutch housing. It, too, should move freely. There may be grease fittings on either end of that shaft. Be sure that the spring on the release (throw out) bearing carrier is in place. You can check it thru the inspection plate hole at the top of the clutch housing. The nose of the transmission that serves as a race for the release bearing carrier may be rusty, or covered with hardened lube. The only practical way to fix that is to remove the transmission from the truck. Finally, just because the return spring is present on the pedal doesn't mean it is working. That is a great old truck, and you are fortunate to have obtained it. As to the rear end gearing, the 4-11 will hold the speed down as you know. A 3-78 would give you speed in the 50-60 range, but be sure your brakes and steering gear are up to par. After you get the truck cleaned up, it might be possible to find a 3-78 rear to swap, preferably with hydraulic brakes, if you intend to just drive it.

This message was edited by supereal on 7-16-13 @ 2:47 PM

banjoQ

07-16-2013 @ 8:08 PM

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Supereal- Thanks for the information. A couple of more things I did not know of. Learning as I go here. One thing I did not mention was the feel of the pedal. In addition to the incomplete return, the pedal now has a bit softer feel to it. As of now, the clutch is still functional but still feels different than before. I understand that the long sleep can have ill effects and I expect there to be a few upgrades as I go.To get this far we had to do a bit of brake work, new tank, lines and rebuild the carb. After getting it running, decided a ring job and some valve work was in order. It now runs real strong and the trans is in good shape, no popping out of gear. I will keep you all updated if I find out anything. Got to get it squared away and get back to driving it! Thanks

supereal

07-16-2013 @ 8:18 PM

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Let us know how you are coming along. As a matter of course, I would pull the flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch disk. Time and the elements can cause these parts to seriously deteriorate. Have the flywheel resurfaced by a good machine shop. As the clutch was stuck when you found the truck, it is very likely replacement is the best plan for reliable use.

banjoQ

07-17-2013 @ 10:31 AM

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I was having the same thoughts. Was able to get five or six hundred miles out of the old clutch, enough time to get acquainted with the truck. It's unrealistic to think it could last for very long. It's all good though, will be great when it's put right. I will keep you all posted as to my progress.

banjoQ

08-11-2013 @ 4:32 PM

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Just a note to let you all know what I found going on with my clutch. One of the causes of the weak pedal return turned out to be broken return spring. Once apart we found that the whole thing was pretty worn out from years of use. Pressure plate, disc, throwout bearing and the bearing collar. Not to mention the 77 years of grease and road dirt. Parts were no problem, had to make a few calls to find a throwout bearing collar. Thanks to C&G for that one! Good opportunity to clean things up while apart. Should be on the road later this week. Thanks for you help and advise.

trjford8

08-11-2013 @ 7:57 PM

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Thanks for the update.

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