Manual trans question 71 F250 4 Speed.

[BigFoot]

Hi,
I'm looking at a truck to buy but the PO says the clutch, "went out all at once".
Apparently he was driving it and it just made some grinding noises and then just quit.
I saw the truck yesterday but I did not have tools or time to take off the inspection cover near the engine oil pan to look at the clutch.
I had him actuate the pedal and the movement from underneath appears to be ok. While we had it running I heard a ever so faint rotational knocking coming from the trans hump in the cab and then the truck began to roll forward on its own. We hadn't noticed but the truck was running and second gear was engaged... So on to my questions: How much of the clutch pressure plate is visible from the inspection cover? I'm thinking that the only way that its not a transmission issue is that all of the springs broke on the pressure plate so that the friction disc isn't getting any force. Other than that could it be the transmission? I didn't try all of the gears but I imagine that if it is the trans it may work in reverse? How solid are the manual transmissions in these trucks? Do they ever break?

Thanks,
J

[guhfluh]

The 4 speeds are pretty stout. It probably would have been making quite a good racket if the gears were stripped enough for it not to roll. I'd bet the diaphragm gave out in the pressure plate or the inside of the clutch broke free. I've seen clutches break a lot of times.

You won't be able to see much from pulling the inspection cover, but you might be able to find broken pieces of clutch/PP which will point to that being the issue. The starter has to come off for you to get the inspection cover off though.

[sargentrs]

I have had a spring in the clutch disc come loose and keep the pressure plate from actuating. These transmissions are pretty darn tough so I wouldn't rule out a clutch problem. My clutch fork pivot bracket also broke. Felt like I had clutch pedal but no engagement.

[BigFoot]

Thank you both for your replies. Very good Information. I feel relieved. It sounds like its isolated to the clutch.

Un-related, Is $1,000 a good price for a pretty solid truck that needs a clutch? No Pwr steering, 360, will need front cab supports but floorboards are in good shape / salvageable.
I'm thinking of offering him $900. Then I'll put in clutch and swap my pwr steering and be all set!

[BigFoot]

You won't be able to see much from pulling the inspection cover, but you might be able to find broken pieces of clutch/PP which will point to that being the issue. The starter has to come off for you to get the inspection cover off though.

On my 71 and 72 the inspection cover comes off with 4 bolts. No need to remove the starter. just fyi.
And yes, you cant really see much. Just if there is friction disc material in there or if the PP has come apart.