Old COE clutch question

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by styenchko, Oct 23, 2014.

  1. styenchko

    styenchko Bobtail Member

    19
    2
    May 9, 2013
    Houston, TX
    0
    Anyone have practical experience converting a manual clutch linkage to a hydraulic in a 90's era Freightliner COE? Just purchased a very, very low mile COE and though the clutch feels like it has plenty of life in it the resistance on the pedal is more than any other manual linkage clutch in any truck I've ever driven-and that includes some serious junk.

    Lacking a manual for the truck and needing to get back to work I didn't look into greasing the rather extensive linkage. Plus, it's got a set back front axle, which adds a few extra turns.

    Any info/advice is much appreciated.
     
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  3. SmokinCAT

    SmokinCAT Road Train Member

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    1,484
    Oct 20, 2010
    Hillsboro, OH./ Adrian, MI
    0
    I do not know of any cabover that has used anything but manual linkage on the U.S. built cabovers. It could even be something with the shaft in the bell housing.
     
  4. JohnP3

    JohnP3 Road Train Member

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    682
    Feb 21, 2010
    Rock Creek B.C. Canada
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    The modifications we did to the COE is to re-drill the clutch lever, 1.25 inches lower, to get the 1/2 inch adjustment, also we would add a dump valve in the cab air ride, to stop the cab and clutch pedal bouncing when backing up, wired to the back-up switch on the transmission.
    You want to hold the clutch pedal down, and grease the throw out bearing at least 20 shots to grease the slide sleeve on the input shaft of the transmission.
    We also had units that the cross shaft in the cab would stiffen up, for that what I did was drill the shaft 15/64 and screw in a zert, then grease it, it takes a while to get the shaft to free up and the grease to get spread out. you just have to keep greasing every day until the nylon bushings free up.
    Just a thought!
     
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2014
  5. styenchko

    styenchko Bobtail Member

    19
    2
    May 9, 2013
    Houston, TX
    0
    Thanks for the mod info, will definitely keep that in mind. I managed to free it up considerably and it feels better now but nothing like a hydraulic clutch. Guess I'm spoiled.

    I was surprised to find so few zerks on all the linkage, including the shifter. I had to grease the arm to the trans while it was extended to get the shaft, and it still doesn't work right. My guess is someone bent it at some point. Makes me wonder what the European trucks look like under the hood.

    Now I'm fighting some electrical daemons. Anyone know if the Kysor EDM is distinct from the Kysor Light Bar? I found a fix for my flashers (which work intermittently) but can't see a "Kysor Light Bar".
     
  6. barroll

    barroll Road Train Member

    1,096
    544
    Nov 23, 2010
    Southwest Michigan
    0
    It's very easy for everything to do with shifting to get bent out of shape on COEs since most techs only work on them with the cab up, then don't re-check movement with the cab down.

    If you run into any really sticky linkages, you might want to try getting ATF into them for a few days before filling them with grease just to break things loose.
     
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