94 explorer shifting problems when hot

[mesh30]

I recently purchased a 94 Ford Explorer lxt, 5 speed manual, 4x4.
I am having trouble with it shifting into 1st and 2nd gear when the truck has been running for a while, no problems when it is cold. Just had the trans fluid changed (thought that might help) It was better after the change, but the problem is starting again. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[liqhx2]

check fluid in for the hydrolic how many miles on it?

 

[mesh30]

I have 255,000 miles on it. How do I check the fluid in the hydrolics?

 

[liqhx2]

when was the last time the clutch was replaced? the resivoir is probobly located next to the master cyl. resivoir if the fluid is low there you probably have a leak somwhere or you could have a weak clutch pressure plate

 

[mesh30]

I have no idea when it was last replaced since I just bought it 2 months ago. Will check fluid and let you know. thanks

 

[CodePoet]

These are the signs of a slave cylinder going out. You can bleed the clutch yourself, do a search on this site and you should find out how to do it, or do yourself a favor and go buy Haynes manual or better yet ebay and try to find a ford service manual...those will outline the procedure for bleeding the clutch. Once you bleed the slave cylinder it should be easier to shift...but the bad news is that the slave cylinder will need to be replaced sooner than later and to do that you must drop the tranny. While your doing this you should go ahead and replace the pressure plate, clutch disk, release bearings, resurface the flywheel and at least inspect the pilot bearings. Sorry for the bad news

Good luck
cp

 

[mzimmer577]

I have a 96 XLT and had the same problem start during a 2000 mile trip. 2 weeks after returning to cold weather and normal city driving, clutch went out. I had the whole thing replaced, but now the shop can't get it bled. Check engine light came on at the same time.

From what I have found: check fluids. Possible spot for sucking in air. Make sure the hydro lines and connections are tight. Thought was that when system is under pressure, lines are pushed away from their seals. Release the clutch and a little air is sucked in. After enough clutch cycles, there is enough air that when heated will not provide enough pressure to release the clutch completely and allow for shifting.

I didn't know any of this before and don't know how much is real, but working through the problem caused the cylinder seals to go out and all of the hydro fluid leaked out. I do know that air, hydro, and heat are not kind to valves and pistons. A quick fluid and bleed check may advert a major problem.

Good Luck.