Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

In this Discussion

Clutch fluid (1940 6 cyl)
  • dewalddewald
    Posts: 21Greasemonkey
    Hi

    I have a significant shutter when changing gears. From previous posts it seems that a dry clutch can be a possible culprit. I want to drain whatever is in the clutch and replace, but what is the recommended clutch fluid to use?

    Thanks
    Dewald
  • Uncle JoshUncle Josh
    Posts: 1,860Platinum Member
    You'll get several answers, most of them will work.

    The club store sells fluid, as well as Dr Doug Wildrick, Ron Fellows, etc.

    Some people use Straight Dexron with success.

    I mix my own 1/3 Dexron, 1/3 10-30 oil, 1/3 Marvel Mystery oil. Works for me.

    You might want to drain it and flush with a 50/50 mix of Carbochlor, the replacement for Carbon Tet (True Value) and Acetone. Put in in and rotate the clutch a few degrees every little while for several days and drain. Then refill with fluid.

    It should engage smoothly without shuddering and lock up within a second or two.
  • Tallent RTallent R
    Posts: 1,576Platinum Member
    Don't forget to do that cleaning process with a board or something keeping the clutch pedal depressed. That allows complete exposure of cork faces for cleaning. If the clutch still shudders it is just time to have a new assembly from Dr. Doug installed.They are smoothe as glass when right,
    Roger
    Retired Tech.
  • Jon BJon B
    Posts: 4,770Moderator
    All of these suggestions are good. I would hazard the cost of a new bottle of Dr. Doug's Old Time Elixir first, to see if that helps. (Only about $5.50) Then, if it doesn't, you should try Uncle Josh's flush. The new fluid may help and if it does you won't have to spend the time obtaining and mixing the various cleaning fluids. I say this because the clutch on my '37 had developed a shudder even though the clutch had been rebuilt, and when I used Doug's fluid it seemed to clear up. Of course, if you're not in a rush, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to do the flush. You'll get rid of a lot of built-up junk in the clutch, that way.
  • lostmindlostmind
    Posts: 517Gold Member
    I have 3/4 gallon of HUDSONITE I would like to sell if someone
    wants the real thing . $ 10.00 and shipping if you can tell me who
    will ship it.The Flusing with the pedal depressed always worked
    for me. I would suggest a second flush with lacquer thinner.
    It evaporates.
    Thanks Roy