Clutch fluid question

JasonNC
JasonNC Expert Adviser
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Other than draining the clutch, is there a way to figure out when the clutch is getting low on Hudsonite? Does the car act a certain way or what?

Jason

Comments

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Usually the clutch will start to grab a little on take-up if the fluid is too low. Conversely, if you put too much in, it will clash the gears with the pedal depressed, and slip when taking up. The clashing is caused by the plate "hydraulicing", (being pulled around by the fluid). However, I must qualify the above remarks with the comment that the first condition can also signify maladjusted clutch fingers, and slipping could also mean the clutch is worn out! However if the latter is the case, draining the fluid will not change things. My Hornet had a worn clutch, with the corks tissue-paper thin, and when I accelerated in overdrive the engine went faster, but the car didn't.

    Geoff.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Another indication of 'low' fluid: while driving, it gets progressively more difficult to get the car out of gear. This happened to me once at a car show. I was backing and filling, using the clutch a lot, and I had to press down farther and farther in order to change the gears. Possibly because of the engine heat and lack of fluid, the clutch was swelling? I dunno but all of a sudden I could no longer get the car out of gear! Somehow I got it parked and when I started it after the show it was no problem to change gears. I used the gearshift as little as possible on my way home and when there, discovered the clutch was almost empty of Hudsonite.
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