Clutch what am I doing wrong?

the clutch only needs to depressed a few inches past the catch point...not all the way down...that activates the clutch brake.

 

Which truck brands use this type of clutch?

 

Knightlock it's not specific to a certain type of truck. I've driven Freightshakers, KW's and Int'l. And they all had differences. My trainers truck was t-600 new and the clutch was smooth, my t-600 was older and grabbed like a shoplifter on a spree, for the company I drive for now they have a fleet of centuries, no two are alike. Each truck has it's own personality...that's why I said it's more like a relationship it can be good or can be bad ( frustrating). Old Macks post was a good one, it may have nothig to do with you at all or it was just one of those things that happen from time to time.
You have to have selective memory when driving a truck, remember what you did wrong so you dont do it again but forget about it at the same time so you dont beat yourself up over it either.

 

So your equating truck driving to being the male half of a marriage?

 

try starting out in a lower gear--not sure what transmission you are driving--but like on a 13 speed --depending on your weight- try second--if not 1st--the engines nowadays have so much torque that you dont have to press the throttle until you have the clutch out --its easier than old engines--or automobiles where you have the clutch coming engaging and on the throttle at same time---should get the feel of it--pretty quick

 

Well to answer your questions...

It is a standard ten speed freightliner. I tried to feel the clutch but I could feel nothing so right now I am having to guess where it catches.

 

First have you seat adjusted where you can work your pedals correctly.
Before you even take off, buttons in, left foot on the clutch, right on the brake engaged... let the clutch out slowly, you will feel the cab start to twist when you hit the catch point. Try it a couple times. Don't go past the catch point.

Like otherhalftw said, you just have to work the clutch an inch or two around the catch point when shifting.

If you are bouncing around trucks it might be different because the clutch isn't properly adjusted. Schools are hard on clutches and it could be out of adjustment. A properly adjusted clutch you have about 3/4"- 1" play at the top of the pedal.

The catch point you have to learn to feel because situations like starting out on a hill at a red light you don't want to be drifting back into the car behind you. They will get inches behind you too.

 

Free travel should be 1 1/2-2"s. All trucks shoul dhave the non slip clutches in them, can't think of the name of them right now. Easy Pedal is what they are called I think? ANyway stop trying so hard and thinking about it so much and you will get it.....hopefully!

 

On a Pete 379 it's 2-2 1/2". Not all trucks are the same. I was just giving him a general idea. He's not getting down there with a tape measurer

 

Actually I think they are all the same and 2 1/2 is right. I know my freightliner is that way also. I've got a tool I use when adjusting it that sets the free travel right everytime.

Biggest problem is when people mess with the clutch linkage!