Clutch slipping, intermittent

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Robsti43130, Jan 2, 2020.

  1. Robsti43130

    Robsti43130 Bobtail Member

    1999 peterbilt 379 Cummins N14 celect
    Super 10 millions of miles....

    Hello ,
    My clutch slips at random. Usually when I'm into the throttle at speed. Tonight it got worse. I'm only grossing about 41,000 lbs. But tonight I'm bucking the wind going west in Texas. I'm wondering if a rear main seal leak can cause this? I grossed 78,900 last week Texas back to Ohio and only noticed it slip a couple of times. Seems like tonight it worsened , like the wind was making it worse.. if that makes sense? It wouldn't slip at all last week upon taking off loaded or torqing up through the gears. Thanks in advance and Happy New Year!
     
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  3. Chubby Fly

    Chubby Fly Medium Load Member

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    Rear main shouldn’t cause it. The oil gets sling behind flywheel. Plus if it was slipping from oil, you would sure as heck smell it and see smoke.
    Does your clutch have freeplay in pedal? That’s a important piece of information you left out. If it does not, then you better get under the truck and adjust it. If no more adjustment for freeplay, it’s time for a clutch. Also, if you worried about a rear main seal leak that is really bad, you should be able to reach in the handhole and see if there is a bunch of oil. But don’t mistake that oil for grease that has metal from heat in the throw out bearing and cross shafts
     
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  4. Robsti43130

    Robsti43130 Bobtail Member

    Thanks for the reply Chubby Fly. After sleeping on it I'm thinking it's internal transmission itself. There is freeplay and the clutch was adjusted 3 months ago when I took over the truck. It's been randomly going into neutral in high gear at cruising speed, 61-70 mph. I'll be driving along and suddenly the engine will just tach out, which is scary because the engine isn't governed! I'm going to call a shop here in Tyre and get a fresh opinion. Thanks
     
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  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Canuckistan
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    Transmission is a constant mesh design. Its not going to slip. The only possible way it may be an internal problem is if either:

    -The stick is physically jumping out of gear.

    -The synchro clutch in the back box is being thrown out of engagement.
     
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  6. Robsti43130

    Robsti43130 Bobtail Member

    Update - At Werner Diesel Service in Tye, Tx . He's saying it's not clutch but likely moisture has gummed up the lines and solenoids in the transmission. On going air dryer issues likely to be the original cause. I have been draining a LOT of water from the air tanks since taking the truck.
     
  7. Robsti43130

    Robsti43130 Bobtail Member

    Thanks AmodelCat, I posted my update before I noticed your response. What do you think about what they're telling me? The stick isn't moving out of gear. The clutch will pull the truck against the park brake. It just like go into neutral in high gear at cruising speed and the engine tachs out..... like it's hung between splits?
     
  8. Robsti43130

    Robsti43130 Bobtail Member

    I don't normally use cruise control but it does it on the cruise and foot. The transmission is supposed to be a Top 2 automatic. I apologize for leaving out details. My mind goes quicker than my spelling and grammar abilities. There's nothing in cab or on the transmission lever indicating it's a Top 2... I'm wondering if it's been swapped for a straight super 10 and the ECM is not correct. .? Thanks all, I know it's difficult without the details but everyone's input is greatly appreciated.
     
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2020
    Reason for edit: More details
  9. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    I am not real sure about this but do you have a Super 10 with autoshift between 9th and 10th?
    If so there should be a fuse for this function. Pull the fuse to disable its operation. Does it still go to neutral?
    Feel around in the housing under the clutch. Do you find pieces of broken springs and such?
    What is the model number of your transmission?
     
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