Cold clutch problem

Tiny
DMANGI
  • MEMBER
  • FORD CONTOUR
I have a 99 contour w/ 2.5 V6 5 speed manual transmission w/84000 miles on it. About 3000 miles ago the clutch was replaced and I now notice the following problem. When I first start it up on a cold morning below 40 and I let the clutch out the rpms drop about 300 to 400. Push it back it and it goes back up. When the car is warmed it doesn't do that. Also when I first drive it, it shifts into first gear easy but second is hard. All other gears are fine and after I drive a mile or so it shifts into second gear easy. I am going on a 700 trip soon for the holidays and I am wondering if I should drive it. Thanks
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 AT 11:27 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

The clutch plate may be sticking to the pressure plate or flywheel, this can be caused by oil contamination, the first thing I would check is the gear box oil level, if the front seal is leaking, gear box oil can contaminate the clutch causing this clutch hang up, when the car sits over night and as cold as you say the oil on the clutch combined with clutch dust will become very sticky and "glue"clutch together. A rear main engine seal can cause this as well, but if you don't notice any leaks under the car, I would be thinking front gear box oil seal.

Mark (mhpautos)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
DMANGI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Will it hurt it to keep driving it?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Will it hurt it? Well the exact answer is yes. But as to how long it will take to cause problems that will affect the drivability is unknown. If this is the cause of your problem, 1. You will run a real risk of burning out the clutch. 2. If oil loss from the gear box is unchecked expensive gear box repairs will result. Check the gear box oil level, and top up if low, also try and locate the gearbox breather, this will be a small fitting that allows excess pressure that builds up in the gear box to escape to atmosphere, if this is blocked often oil can by forced out week seals, that's something worth checking as if blocked and cleaned this may give you a bit more breathing space regards doing required repairs. See how you go and re post if you need more help.

Mark (mhpautos)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 3:40 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links