92 Explorer, Rebuilt engine, 4x4, Clutch Pedal is soft, changes gears when car is off

[jdevendo]

Hello,
Bought a '92 Ford Explorer and am continually have issues with but don't want to give up on. The clutch and slave cylinder have been replaced one year ago. The clutch pedal is very soft and no longer has tension. Changing gears has become impossible. I can change gears when that car is off. I just replaced the water pump, thermostat and the clutch fan. The cars milage is incorrect and I can't be sure how many miles the car has. It has a rebuilt engine from the previous owner.

 

[BigPapiBrady]

Welcome.
Did you install the clutch yourself or a shop?
There is a chance that you have some air in the line and bleeding the clutch line might be an easy fix for you? Any other problems besides not being able to shift while car is running?
Did you notice any noises or smells before this problem occurred?

 

[rb142]

Yes, it is unlikely this is another failed slave cylinder after only a year. It could definitely be air in the line (which begs the question where the air got in), or it could be a bad master cylinder. I would start by bleeding it out well and see whether it leaks again. If so, replace the master cylinder. Fortunately, both of those are fairly easy. (Look in the hole covered by the rubber plug and check for any signs of leaking from the slave cylinder.)

It is hard to get all the air out of that line. Disconnect the line from the slave cylinder and check the clutch pedal. It should be rock hard. If not, it needs bleeding. Take the master, resevior, and line to the slave off the vehicle. Tie them up on a pole or ladder or whatever is around and stretch the line out a bit so that the whole system is going uphill (resevior at the top, slave connection at the bottom). Cycle the plunger and tap on the lines and the bubbles will make their way up through the top. (Keep the fluid filled up.) When you can't press the master cylinder plunger any more, it is bled.

Put it all back in the car and connect to the slave cylinder. Now use the slave bleeder and the pedal to push any air out of the slave, just like bleeding brakes. Now you should have a good clutch. If that doesn't work, change the master and repeat.