Clutch Slippage

Jake_N_His_Hornet

Hey HET Folks,

I finally got my 1951 Hornet on the road after months of work and the 2nd time I took it out, the clutch seemed to be slipping. The car will move but in a spuratic manner. It seems to be shifting fine, I just can't get any speed out of it.

I plan to adjust the clutch pedal travel tonight and see if that changes anything. (The clutch doesn't engage until the pedal is almost fully out) But, I fear that the clutch might be damaged.

My question is, would flushing the clutch fluid and refilling help if the clutch was slipping?

Also, does anybody know of a suitable replacement for Hudsonite? I've found a few disussions mentioning some kinds of ATF and others using a mix of kerosene and motor oil.

Any input would be greatly appreciated as I had planned to take it to a car show next weekend. (Vintage Torque Fest) here in Iowa

Thanks

Jake

jjbubaboy

Hey Jake,

Yes, definitely flush and fill the clutch. The best Hudsonite is available from Dr Doug. And get 2 that way you will have a spare. Its already pre-portioned for the right amount and everything.

Jeff

Jon B

I "second the emotion" for Doug's stuff.  I had "the chatters" in my Terraplane's clutch, even after replacement, and using his magic elixer was able to rid myself of them.  Yes, certain automatic transmission fluids can work, but his "stuff" is expressly made for Hudsons so why settle for anything less?

Are you sure that you have clutch oil at all, in the thing?

Frankvintagefullflowcom

If its dry and slipping, adding oil won't make it stop slipping.
F

Jake_N_His_Hornet

Not sure what the level is. I'm going to tear into it tonight and see exactly what I got

Geoff

I don't wish to be a grinch,  but your clutch plate will most likely be worn out and will need replacing.  By all means, adjust the freeplay on the pedal, and check the oil level, but be prepared for a strip-down if this does not fix it.  

Jon B

Jake, just remove one of the plugs in the flywheel, rotate the flywheel until the next "star" is seen, and the clutch will deposit any remaining oil onto your spotless garage floor.  This is how you check your fluid level.

Then re-cap, and add the traditional 1/3 pint of the Sacred Hudson Fluid following the time-honored ritual, and you're in business.

Uncle Josh

Now it ain't that easy. You need a foot and a half of 3/8OD hose with the end ground to a taper to fit in the hole and a small funnel in the top end unless you want to stand on your head in there with a medicine dropper.

Also, a 3/8 socket on an extension works good for unscrewing the plug, and to prevent dropping it in the pan, put a piece of masking tape in the end of the socket. (what is it 13/16?) Helps for getting it back in too. If you do drop it, go to the bottom of the pan with the magnet on the end of the flexible shaft, or take the pan off.

JasonNC

Uncle Josh, the socket is 11/16 for the drain plug on the flywheel.  

Jake_N_His_Hornet

Hey guys, so I just pulled the plug and........ no fluid. I'm guessing that means I have a leak. Also explains my clutch problems. So where do these typically leak from and is it gonna be a whole tranny pull to fix it?

Jon B

Could be a long-term leak.  Don't panic. May not have been filled in years.   Just put in 1/3 pint and monitor the area under the car for leaks.  If it's just a drip of two per week, you can live with it.  You have more important fish to fry.

Geoff

 Sorry, but having no oil would make your clutch grab, not slip. I think you will find it will slip worse when you put oil in it. 

Frankvintagefullflowcom

Funny.....I thought I already said that on 4/25
F

Jake_N_His_Hornet

Well, I gave it the old college try and, it did indeed make things worse, now I've got no clutch at all.

So next question, anybody have a good resource on a new/rebuilt clutch?

Park_W

The Hudson Club's premier expert on clutches is "Dr. Doug" Wildrick, in Indiana.  He rebuilds them and supplies the corrrect fluid.  drdoug96@comcast.net, (317) 398-4163.

onerare39

Here you go.

http://www.wildrickrestorations.com

then click on the Hudson Wet Clutch Parts tab.

Geoff

I was feeling sad and unhappy, and a little voice came into my head saying "Cheer up and smile, things could get worse".   So I cheered up and smiled, and sure enough, things got worse. 

kamzack

I suggest purchasing a shop manual. Don't get disheartened when you learn how to replace the clutch. I'll tell you, Your Hudson is worth the effort to do the clutch. Hudson is a great road car and a pleasure to drive.
As mentioned, you can't better support than Dr. Doug. He has a passion unmatched.
Kim

Jake_N_His_Hornet

Thanks for the Info, I'll be in touch with Doug. I found a shop manual with excellent step by step instructions on how to pull the trans. Lotta work and I wont make it to Torque Fest this year, but I should at least end up with a more solid cor in a few months, I hope.