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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Clutch Diagnostic

  • Thread starter Thread starter 89five.o
  • Start date Start date Oct 21, 2014

89five.o

Member
Jul 8, 2005
26
5
19
Oct 21, 2014
#1
  • Oct 21, 2014
  • #1
Having issues with clutch adjustment. Just looking for some opinions on possible issues/fixes.

First of all the parts that are on the car.

Car: 89 Mustang GT with 302
Transmission: Tremec 3550 with stock shifter
Clutch: Centerforce Dual Friction
Firewall Adjuster: Maximum Motorsports (Newly installed, replaced UPR)
Clutch Quadrant: Maximum Motorsports (Newly installed, replaced UPR)
Clutch Cable: Maximum Motorsports (Newly installed)

Problem: When I screw the firewall adjuster out significantly the transmission shifts nicely but the clutch slips like crazy.

To alleviate this I've tried slowly screwing the adjuster back in to eliminate the slipping. It works to a point but becomes very hard to shift/get into gear. Also, with this notchy shifting the clutch still slips, although not quite as badly.

The clutch/flywheel are only about a year old so I highly doubt they are worn. Could it be that I have a leaking rear main that's impregnating the clutch with oil?

Also, I think I'm over Centerforce and want to switch things up and try something new if I end up requiring a new clutch. Anybody know what clutches Maximum Motorsports carries? I've always been impressed with the quality of their parts and customer service.

Thanks in advance.
 

jrichker

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Oct 21, 2014
#2
  • Oct 21, 2014
  • #2
Put the car up on jackstands, crawl under and remove the bottom 2 or 3 bolts from the block plate. You will now have just enough room to pry back the block plate and slip your fingers inside the bottom of the bellhousing to check for oil. If your fingers come out wet with oil, you have your answer.
 
Reactions: A5literMan, 89five.o, stykthyn and 1 other person

89five.o

Member
Jul 8, 2005
26
5
19
Oct 22, 2014
#3
  • Oct 22, 2014
  • #3
Good idea, I'll give it a look.
 

GroverDill

GoldMember
Founding Member
Aug 18, 1999
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Demotte IN 46310
Oct 22, 2014
#4
  • Oct 22, 2014
  • #4
check/change the fluid in the trans if its hard to shift.
 
D

Dave2000GT

Active Member
Oct 3, 2005
229
26
39
Seattle
Oct 22, 2014
#5
  • Oct 22, 2014
  • #5
89five.o said:
Having issues with clutch adjustment. Just looking for some opinions on possible issues/fixes.

First of all the parts that are on the car.

Car: 89 Mustang GT with 302
Transmission: Tremec 3550 with stock shifter
Clutch: Centerforce Dual Friction
Firewall Adjuster: Maximum Motorsports (Newly installed, replaced UPR)
Clutch Quadrant: Maximum Motorsports (Newly installed, replaced UPR)
Clutch Cable: Maximum Motorsports (Newly installed)

Problem: When I screw the firewall adjuster out significantly the transmission shifts nicely but the clutch slips like crazy.

To alleviate this I've tried slowly screwing the adjuster back in to eliminate the slipping. It works to a point but becomes very hard to shift/get into gear. Also, with this notchy shifting the clutch still slips, although not quite as badly.

The clutch/flywheel are only about a year old so I highly doubt they are worn. Could it be that I have a leaking rear main that's impregnating the clutch with oil?

Also, I think I'm over Centerforce and want to switch things up and try something new if I end up requiring a new clutch. Anybody know what clutches Maximum Motorsports carries? I've always been impressed with the quality of their parts and customer service.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Is your clutch 'loose' at the top of the pedal ? For like the first 1" or so of travel downwards ? It needs to be loose to ensure the clutch is fully engaged.
As for clutch, I stand firmly behind my Autozone Duralast clutch kit
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...eZ6o243?itemIdentifier=213264_11456_4121_7018
It's $80 after the 20% discount shipped to your house, includes everything you need even alignment tool and grease, and the throwout and pilot bearings are higher quality than anything you'll find at a regular parts store. I've had it on mine for over a year, done a handful of track passes on it, TONS of 1st and 2nd gear burnouts, and it is silky smooth and still grips fine.
 
D

Dave2000GT

Active Member
Oct 3, 2005
229
26
39
Seattle
Oct 22, 2014
#6
  • Oct 22, 2014
  • #6
Also, the notchy shifting COULD be just that you aren't getting the clutch pedal all the way down, I noticed in one of your pics some nice looking stainless floor mats, are they maybe impeding the last half inch of pedal travel ??
 
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