Sticky clutch on a 89 Pete with an Eaton Fuller 13 speed.

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by boomer641, Feb 6, 2023.

  1. boomer641

    boomer641 Bobtail Member

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    May 26, 2008
    New York
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    I have an 89 Peterbilt with a 3406 Cat motor and a 13 speed. When I depress the clutch I can put the truck into gear without a problem but the pedal is very slow to extend out. I know from my time as an auto mechanic (many years ago!) that more than likely it’s a bad pressure plate. Does the same hold for a truck or are there other possibilities?
     
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  3. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Something in the linkage is likely frozen and rusted. Most commonly the clutch pivot box under the cab/ floor. The link between the pivots will become frozen at the end joints. Disconnecting the linkage will verify where it is frozen. Best to just replace the whole box with new.
     
    Magoo1968, Oxbow, Diesel Dave and 2 others Thank this.
  4. boomer641

    boomer641 Bobtail Member

    18
    17
    May 26, 2008
    New York
    0
    Thank you for the advice. It’s very much appreciated! I freely admit my lack of knowledge on heavy commercial trucks.That’s why I’m having the work done at a shop but just for my own understanding I wanted to know what else could be wrong beyond what I stated in my OP. What you said makes sense. This truck was a northern truck and it sat for a while before I bought it. Thanks again!!
     
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  5. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

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    I have two 89 Petes; As @Goodysnap mentioned, there is likely a lack of grease on the clutch linkage. Those two grease fittings are a kind of hard to see and get to, and easily overlooked.
     
    Magoo1968 and Goodysnap Thank this.
  6. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    Define ‘truck had sat for awhile’. Generally speaking, trucks that had a period of extended parking lot time(several years), the clutch/pressure plates will be the first things that need attention once the truck is put back into service.
     
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