So the other day I am driving the old beast and something let go in the clutch/linkage (cable, not hydraulic). The pedal free play about doubled and when all the way down would not release the clutch. I drove home the old fashioned way sans clutch...

Tightened up the adjusting bolt on the cable (engine bay at the firewall) and things worked better. A few days later and it's acting out of adjustment again.

No visible problems in the cable/pedal/linkage.

Am I simply seeing the end of the clutch or pressure plate? Is it time to replace?

If so, how hard is this to do? Is it a bear to pull the tranny away from the little 4 banger? to get access?

Any help/advice would be appreciated!

_Usually_ ... when the clutch is worn out, is that you get slippage at the top of the pedal. You just can't go.

Your case is a bit different sounding to me. Either the cable is ready to break altogether (remember those old westerns where the dude is hanging off a cliff from a rope ? and the strands begin to break, one at a time ?) or there is a problem with the clutch fork or the pedal assembly (worn out fulcrums) or maybe the throw out bearing (But... I'd expect there would be some horrendous noises coming from under there).

If it's either of the latter, you gotta pull the trans anyhow, so might as well install a new clutch while yer in there...



Depends. Do you feel confident that you have the time, tools and inclination to do the job ? That's a pretty heavy tranny. You NEED a tranny jack, and some hefty wrenches to get it all apart. Not particularly complicated though.

Take a closer look at the cable/linkage before you tear into it.

If itÆs a hydraulic unit like mine, you might just be really low of fluid.

Igneouss said:
1986 Clutch Problems.

Followed by:

something let go in the clutch/linkage (cable, not hydraulic)

Then Bob chimes in with:

If itÆs a hydraulic unit like mine, you might just be really low of fluid.

Come on Steve, keep up with the conversation. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Michael

I've got the service manual in storage from when I had an '86. Give me a chance to dig it out, and if no one else has chimed in, I'll try to help with what I can.

James

When he said "not hydraulic" IÆm going to go out on a limb and say, he said that because he didn't see fluid squirting out a hole in the line. (Or an 86 doesnÆt use hydraulics at all and just uses some sort of cable, in which case his 86 would not be like my ôhydraulic unitö)

So just throwing out ideas. Sorry if IÆm not smart like you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> But I did notice you didn't give any brilliant suggestions...

But think about the problems listed. Clutch pedal goes to the floor, doesnÆt come back up. Sounds like a lack of hydraulic fluid to me (if its like my ôhydraulic unitö). So either It all leaked out or just got really low, and a bunch of air got sucked into the line.

But what the heck to I know. Since I can't follow a conversation. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

But what the heck to I know. Since I can't follow a conversation.

Just kiddin' with ya Steve.

Yes, the 86 is cable operated. Yes, there is something wrong here. Yes, it will require close inspection to find out what.

Good Luck,
Michael

To clarify, it's cable operated.

I am leaning toward simply replacing the cable to see what happens. The first response got me thinking that if the cable was comming apart it might explain the problems I am experiencing.

Because I have not had any clutch slipping I am hoping that the clutch is actually ok. I am guessing that when I remove the old cable it will be obvious if it is the problem.

Sounds like a good idea to try just the cable. I changed the clutch in my '86 trooper as well as the cable, and the difference was amazing. If you do have to change the clutch, go ahead and borrow or rent a transmission jack. I did it without one, and it was tuff. I used 2 floor jacks and tie down straps hooked to the body to form a cradle for the transmission and transfer case. They are very heavy, as the transfer case is iron clad rather than aluminum clad. The hardest part was getting it lined back up and mated to the engine. I actually got it started and then laid on my back and used my legs to lift/ kick it in. Yes a transmission jack would have been a lot easier.

I'm toward a cable about to go or trouble with the throwout bearing. However, just to toss out another idea, it could be a large chunk of the clutch lining coming loose from the disc if it is in really bad shape, but I'd expect more slippage before you hit that point. Pull off the inspection plate (two 10mm bolts at the bottom front of the bellhousing) and see what you find there.

If/when you pull the trans, do get a trans jack. That 86 trans is one of the heaviest trannys I've ever had to deal with.

You also might want to start hosing down the bolts that hold the crossmember to the frame with penetrating oil right away. I broke 2 out of 8, and stripped the threads off two more.