The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Shifting problem with my '54

Lately I have been having trouble shifting while driving my 3 tree 54 1/2 ton. While driving along I'll suddenly have trouble getting the clutch fully engaged in any gear. The gears whine and when clutch is disengaged the truck won't coast as you'd think it should, like it wasn't free. I'd smell transmission fluid while it is in gear and whining. Eventually I can get it working fine in all gears and it will work fine but I never know when it will get stuck again. Does this seem like a linkage adjustment issue? Clutch going out? I appreciate any ideas on what the problem is and how to fix it. Thanks much! Steve

Steve,

Have you check the gear oil height in the transmission?

Have you checked the clutch adjustment (as per the shop manual)?

I have not checked the gear oil height. The clutch has no free play at all. My shop manual suggests free pedal travel of 3/4 to 1". Could this be the issue?

Does oil leak from the flywheel dust cover by chance? I believe my rear main seal is bad. I think I may be having a similar issue and was just assuming that oil was gooing up the clutch. When I put my '54 in gear, say 3rd, I don't feel the power I should. Almost as if the truck is at a slowing speed. If that makes sense. I can't figure it out.

Yes

I adjusted the clutch linkage to give me 1" play and that seems to have solved the problem. Thanks to all for the input.

Good work, StephenB