170 trans issues, interchange questions

[blueroo]

I'm going to be taking my transmission out on Saturday. It's acting up and my dad said there's a chance the pressure plate has a broken tine.

Every now and then, it acts up trying to go into first or reverse. It sounds like a buzzsaw to say the least and you really have to yank it into those gears. Other times it's incredibly smooth. Additionally, idling in first gear produces a sound that's sort of a mixture of metal grinding and a stone in a tin can. It only does that though when the motor is fully warmed up. On top of that, yesterday I went to a self serve car wash to get the heavy dirt off. After I was finished washing the car, I got in and hit the key. It then lurched foward like a manual trans car does when you stall it while learning how to drive stick. It lurched 3 times and then the motor cut out and the clutch pedal was fully depressed. And the last thing I've noticed is occassionally, with the clutch pedal down to the floor when the trans starts acting up, the pedal "kicks" against my foot like the clutch is trying to push it back up.

Has anyone had this problem and is there a way to fix it without taking the trans down?



Additionally, if the pressure plate is bad, will a V8 pressure plate and clutch interchange?

 

[pedal2themetal45]

The noise idling in First sounds like the Thro out baren.
Time for a new clutch,
As for the Shifting Check the fluid maybe change it. might need to add some slick stuff to it, Old sticky fluid, and check the aliment of the shifting forks @ the collum. As well as seeing that the linkages are snug. lose shift rods can cause misaliment of the shifter. heres a link to find a clutch. Most likely need to get the clutch kit. it has everything
http://www.partsamerica.com/Default.aspx
hope this helps.
tim

 

[pedal2themetal45]

HHMMM Just did a search for ya if its the 64 Fairlane they don't have one.. DAM... Sorry.
I'm sure someone else can help..
tim

 

[Lazy JW]

...is there a way to fix it without taking the trans down?...

Nope.

 

[addo]

Stuff to inspect/diagnose while you're at it:

Crankshaft end play and flywheel bolt sealing
Rear main seal
Clutch condition
TOB
Input shaft bearings
Gearbox internal condition
Gear oil level
Transmission mount rubber
Linkage bushings
Column shift linkages from the shifter down

It's all fairly basic, but will save you pondering later!

 

[blueroo]

Ok, found the problem. The throwout bearing was a bit noisy, but not bad enough to be causing it all. The pressure plate was fine, but the one finger did seem a little thin. Both of them will be replaced nonetheless.

The problem was in the clutch disc itself. Out of the 4 springs, two were broken and another almost came out of it's retainer. On top of that, the "spline and spring" plate was moving entirely separately of the clutch face, leading me to believe that the clutch was moving in an oblong pattern. Amazingly, and thankfully, the flywheel is perfectly fine. I looked over it from so many different angles and could not find a problem.

The clutch disc I have (or had) is kind of interesting. In the service manual, it lists two clutches for the six cylinder. One is the standard duty 8.5" clutch with six springs, the other is the heavy duty 9.5" clutch with six springs. The clutch I pulled out is 8.5", with 4 springs, or possibly 8 as inside of each of the 4 large springs is a small spring.

I would like to replace it with the larger 9.5" clutch if possible.

If that is not possible, I had a thought, the only thing I'm not sure of is balance. If a V8 clutch has the same overall diameter, the same number and sizes of splines, etc etc...would it be possible (or worth it) to use a V8 clutch instead?

 

[addo]

Your first constraint is the "smallback" bellhousing. That really limits you to the current offerings suit recessed flywheel or slight mods.

Are you possibly confusing what the manual says, with the clutch disc specs? I mean, the clutch covers (pressure plates) will have different pressure springs depending on application (eg Falcon sedan vs Bronco). As early clutches were Borg & Beck style they typically had six springs - two per finger...

There was an adaptor used here by Ford, which fitted the early bells. It was meant to allow fitment of a later auto. Might work with a manual trans; not sure...