Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Another clutch problem with a twist

I'm the original owner of a 98 SVT (built 6/10/97 or #1838). This car has never been raced and now at 85,000 miles only when it's cold (below 40F) the cluch will slip. The clutch slips mildly (5th gear or sometimes 4th). I've heard of clutch slip when hot but not when cold. The dealer was no help and the transmission specialist took it for a ride on a day when it was above 40 degrees so of course there was no slip. Is there anything I may be missing? maybe fluid contamination not allowing a cold clutch to fully engage? Any thoughts before I take it back on a cold day?

98 SVT
Pro-Flow 75mm MAF
True-Rev Sport Induction Kit

Except for some old Hudsons, all automotive clutches are dry clutches. There should be no fluid anywhere near the clutch friction surfaces. So contaminated transmission fluid or even contaminated hydraulic clutch linkage fluid should not make the clutch slip unless it has leaked onto the clutch friction surfaces.

I don't know why a clutch would be more inclined to slip when it is cold. My experience has been that it is more likely to slip when hot.

Also I don't see how old hydraulic clutch fluid would cause a slip. If anything it would tend to keep the clutch from fully releasing. If the fluid is old it would not hurt to flush it along with the rest of the brake fluid. You may find that the brakes and clutch pedals become a bit more responsive, but I think it is a long shot to think it would cure a slipping problem.

it's possible that the clutch release bearing is hanging while it is retracting after you come off the clutch. How much slip do you get?

If in 5th gear and doing between 20-30 MPH you will get a good bit of slippage (again it has to be cold out). I've also noticed that with just a little bit of clutch pressure (maybe less than .25 inch) the clutch disengages from the transaxle input shaft. This also seems early and leads me to believe it may be a worn out clutch? Thoughts?

The primary test for a slipping clutch is top gear at about 25 to 30 MPH then full throttle. If the clutch is slipping, the engine will rev up or at least flair up under this load. It may not be noticable under normal driving.

It sounds like you have a worn clutch.

Thanks Jim, but I did check the other clutch forums and ran all the clutch slip tests along with the ones suggested in the Haynes repair manual. I just was looking to see if anyone had an idea why it would happen only when cold? The clutch will not slip if it's warm out (above around 40F) no matter what the test.

Dave