Burning the clutch

dlpt2a · #1 06-21-2009, 01:55 PM

Hi all, I'm new here. I have a F-150 2002 5 speed manual and a 25 feet boat over 3,500 pounds. Now the thing is... I want to go fishing to the lakes north Alabama but this two last weekends going from Louisiana to Mississippi my buddy riding his truck right behind me said that he could smell my clutch burning out every time we climbed a bridge and some times in the highway over 70 Mph. I don't think I'm gonna make on those hills north Alabama.

I drive in 4 gear never on overdrive and go all the way to 2 when climbing but still too much for the truck, I don't think that clutch is gonna hold for a long trip

My question... Anybody knows of a really heavy duty clutch kit for my truck? I've been looking on google but couldn't find it.

Thanks

Carl.-

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Roadie · #2 06-21-2009, 03:30 PM

Your truck with the 5 speed manual may not be rated to tow 3500lbs. It may only be rated to tow 2000lbs.

I'm sure there are aftermarket clutches that are stronger than stock. Do a search on the internet.

ManualF150 · #3 06-21-2009, 04:34 PM

I used to tow a 6,000# boat fine with a 4.2l V6 with a stock clutch. I do use kudos for staying in 4th gear.

However, before assuming your clutch was/is burning up, did you ever check the Ebrake?!

I had my ebrake seize up on my '99 twice, and both times people told me my clutch was burning up, and it really was the drums getting scorching hot burning up brake pads.

Also, how were you driving up the bridges? Slow? Fast? Were you shifting a lot?

I can't imagine burning up a clutch hauling something if you knew how to drive stick well, even if it was way over the payload.

Finally, to give you a hint, to help you out pulling your boat out of the water, I highly recommend setting the ebrake lightly, enough to put resistance on rolling back. It will save your clutch big time. I learned that trick a by a fellow boater.

Oh, and if you want a HD clutch, try getting a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch:
DF983982 for $558.64..

glc · #4 06-21-2009, 05:11 PM

The manual transmission trucks are limited to 3500# or less due to both clutch and transmission issues. You do not have the right tool for the job.

dlpt2a · #5 06-22-2009, 12:48 AM

Yeah, I know how to drive a stick, I'm from Madrid Spain, we don't use automatic over there, I've been driving standard for the first 30 years of my life that's why I got the 150 manual, I like it better.

What's an ebrake? if you are reffering to the trailer brakes... they are gone. I tuck them off after the first trip when they started to pull my truck back every time I ran down a hill, really a pain in the neck. I'm planning to install electric brakes in that trailer but is not a priority, by now I just keep my distances.

The user guide says 2,500 pound max but the truck could haul way more than that if it weren't for the damn clutch, I just need a bigger one or stronger springs on the pressure plate, I don't know.

I've been looking online all day for a super heavy duty clutch kit for this truck, no luck so far, I'll ask tomorrow at the dealer if they've got something.

Thanks for the tip pulling out the ramp, I do it with the emergency brake instead, it works but,,,, You can smell the clutch burning. Maybe I need a bigger truck, a f-250 would do it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManualF150

I used to tow a 6,000# boat fine with a 4.2l V6 with a stock clutch. I do use kudos for staying in 4th gear.

However, before assuming your clutch was/is burning up, did you ever check the Ebrake?!

I had my ebrake seize up on my '99 twice, and both times people told me my clutch was burning up, and it really was the drums getting scorching hot burning up brake pads.

Also, how were you driving up the bridges? Slow? Fast? Were you shifting a lot?

I can't imagine burning up a clutch hauling something if you knew how to drive stick well, even if it was way over the payload.

Finally, to give you a hint, to help you out pulling your boat out of the water, I highly recommend setting the ebrake lightly, enough to put resistance on rolling back. It will save your clutch big time. I learned that trick a by a fellow boater.

Oh, and if you want a HD clutch, try getting a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch:
DF983982 for $558.64..

glc · #6 06-22-2009, 02:11 AM

The M5OD-R2 tranny you have is a light duty tranny built by Mazda. It has a known weak input shaft, hence the low tow rating. As I said, you don't have the right tool for the job. If you want a truck with a manual for towing, get a F250, it uses a truck duty manual.

The stock clutch can handle a 3500# tow, if yours is slipping, it's worn out. I had a heavy duty put in mine and it sucked. It chattered like crazy driving it unloaded. I just had a stock clutch put back in.

JMC · #7 06-22-2009, 01:27 PM

If your clutch was slipping enough for someone behind you to smell it you would have seen the rpm rise. I have tried all kinds of clutches. None have held up to my abuse. You would be better served with a good aftermarket brand that is a little stronger than stock. The Ford dealer has only one kind of clutch for your truck and that is Factory Ford. That is unless he is willing to sell you an aftermarket brand. I have had good service from Luk brand of clutches. They hold better than stock. I actually spun the centre section of one. Most clutches just slip and burn up.

.

glc · #8 06-22-2009, 01:55 PM

From my experience, don't get a Brute Power. Also, get the flywheel resurfaced on a bench grinder, or replace it. While the flywheel is out, replace the rear main seal if it has ANY sign of leakage. Replace the entire clutch assembly, including pilot bearing and slave/throwout bearing.

beechkid · #9 06-23-2009, 07:27 PM

IMHO I would call clutchmasters in Colton california, I have been buying clutches from them for 30 years from oem replacements to custom units for racing....they are excellent and priced very competitively. Typical turn around for most of my orders was 24 hours. They do have a website also- just can't say enough good things about them!!!!