burning clutch

[produceguy]

Hello , hopefully someone has some knowlege on this matter. I have a 1999 Ford f 1-50 , 5 speed 180,000 miles origanal cluth, and a mach 1 challenger boats weight is 2700. When launching and loading I either have to pop the cluth and let tires spin or pull out slow and take a chance on burning up the cluth. Any suggestions? Ireally like my truck so getting a new truck is not likely.I am new at this.

 

[j_martin]

Re: burning clutch

Hello , hopefully someone has some knowlege on this matter. I have a 1999 Ford f 1-50 , 5 speed 180,000 miles origanal cluth, and a mach 1 challenger boats weight is 2700. When launching and loading I either have to pop the cluth and let tires spin or pull out slow and take a chance on burning up the cluth. Any suggestions? Ireally like my truck so getting a new truck is not likely.I am new at this.

Tires are cheaper than clutches, and easier to replace.

 

[produceguy]

Re: burning clutch

Good point.

 

[642mx]

Re: burning clutch

Tires are cheaper than clutches, and easier to replace.

Its not the tires so much as the rear end.

 

[scrambler45]

Re: burning clutch

If it is 4 wheel drive, put it in 4 low. That will help a lot. Other than that, get it engaged as quick as possible.

 

[642mx]

Re: burning clutch

Hello , hopefully someone has some knowlege on this matter. I have a 1999 Ford f 1-50 , 5 speed 180,000 miles origanal cluth, and a mach 1 challenger boats weight is 2700. When launching and loading I either have to pop the cluth and let tires spin or pull out slow and take a chance on burning up the cluth. Any suggestions? Ireally like my truck so getting a new truck is not likely.I am new at this.

If its 4WD, use 4 Low. Use the parking brake, let the clutch out to the friction point and then release the brake and let the clutch the rest of the way out. Doing it this way will be the easiest on your furd.

 

[produceguy]

Re: burning clutch

No my Furd is not 4wd. You think spining the tires will mess up the rear end?

 

[642mx]

Re: burning clutch

No my Furd is not 4wd. You think spining the tires will mess up the rear end?

Spinning the tires isn't needed... that was my point. But yes, dumping the clutch is hard on that rear end. I had a 99 4.2L 4x4 F-150.... and went thru a couple of clutches and a rear end before 150K. I pulled a heavy enclosed trailer, but never really abused the truck. After all, I was a Furd technician at the time.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: burning clutch

If you are or think you are burning the clutch then you are in fact doing it wrong and need to use less throttle/revs and better control of the clutch.
Thats a hydro clutch so it should provide easy control and if it is in good working order what you are doing to it to get started on an incline is well within its operating parameters.

As stated spinning the tires isnt needed and will only make you look incompetent and possibly get you into trouble/water.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: burning clutch

i load a 2000 pound boat with a 5 speed manual trans car, and do it without burning the clutch. The trick is to use the ABSOLUTE minimum rpm's needed. Slipping it at low rpm isn't a problem. Spin the engine up a little and it doesn't take much to burn it off. (110k miles on stock clutch, with hundreds of boat loads, with a 300+hp sports car)

 

[produceguy]

Re: burning clutch

Thanks guys . I just need to work on my techneik. So if you see somebody spinning tires on the ramp doesnt mean they are a complete moron we just need some practice.

 

[bostonwhalermontauk1965]

Re: burning clutch

Another option for the heck of throwing it out there - being it is a two wheel drive truck - and you dont want to part with it - Maybe consider converting it to automatic. Not at all as hard as you might think. I have done this many times with many different vehicles. Universal shifters are easily mounted with cable operation - and it would make boat ramp maneuverability a dream. I am in the process of buying a jeep and automatic was my prime consideration with at least a 6 cylinder for boat ramp in particular. If you are going to stick with the stick shift - then maybe consider throwing a little weight over the rear axel when launching and retrieving boat - example sand bags. Tires will spin a hell of a lot less - this works wonders with two wheel drive pickups on snowy days. - Good luck either way.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: burning clutch

Couple of notes - one as already listed, proper techinique. Minimum RPM's at cluch engagement to prevent stalling. Let out on the clutch in a consistant, smooth release. Don't dump it, but don't ride it either. Best way to practice (the way I actually learned) - find a fairly steep gravel road and go practice starting from a stand still. My dad did this to me when I learned - he stuck a soda can behind the front tire, and I wasn't allowed to drive on the road until I could take off with out a bit of wheel spin AND with out dimpling the can. It doesn't take long to learn, just practice.

On the other note - if you got 180,000 miles on your original clutch - don't change a thing with your driving!!! I never get more than 50K, though I am admittedly hard on it and tow frequently.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: burning clutch

Popping the clutch is not just hard on the rear end, but every part from the fan to the rear tires. Shock load is a killer. Dont think just because its not broken right now that you know of, that you have not already damaged it.
If you must make the choice, Slip the clutch. At least then you know the part you tearing up.

 

[bigdee]

Re: burning clutch

1995 S-10 with 5 spd and 4 banger...not enough power to pull a greased string out of a gnat's butt. Pulled 18' ski boat for 5 years. If I let the clutch all the way out the engine would stall so I would feather the clutch and leave a strong iodine smell at the ramp. Abused the heck outa that little truck...still driving it today with the original clutch still in it!

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: burning clutch

1995 S-10 with 5 spd and 4 banger...not enough power to pull a greased string out of a gnat's butt. Pulled 18' ski boat for 5 years. If I let the clutch all the way out the engine would stall so I would feather the clutch and leave a strong iodine smell at the ramp. Abused the heck outa that little truck...still driving it today with the original clutch still in it!

Whens the last time you had the clutch adjusted. Have it checked out .It may not have much padding left. If it were me I'd get a new Clutch pressure plate and throw out bearing. I'll beat thats most of your trouble. 180,000 miles ,it has a lot of wear. and while your at it have your brakes checked out.