Troubleshoot: clutch and ignition problems due to cold

[shore_rider]

I have a 1993 ford explorer (pushrod) which currently isnt running due to two reasons.

1. clutch issues began once it hit -20C, it feels to me like the slave cylinder is the problem. Anyways, so one morning it seemed like the clutch froze to the flywheel, and since then i have to start it in gear and pump the clutch about 20 times to build enough pressure to disengage the clutch to change gears. I took a look under the truck..... looks like the slave is leaking a small amount (fluid on outside of transmission). So does this sound like the slave is gone? Does anyone know of a guide for replacing it? would I need to drop the transmission in order to get to it? is there anythign I can do to help the clutch in the cold (some kind of warmer for the fluid or something)?


2. The other problem is once it hit -25C the truck stopped starting. It would start fine until tuesday afternoon when I went to start it and all I could hear was a clicking (relay and solenoid it think) So I jumped it and all was fine. Then I get home and park it, decided to try to start it to see if the alternator charged the battery enough, nope just click.... click.... So I put a new battery in, it started. Then the next day i go to start it and the same problem again (but swapping batteries and jumping both do nothing now) So I jump under the truck and look, had someone crank it over while I hit the starter with a hammer, and sure enough it started. So the starter obviously needs replacing, but the strange thing is that when it started and was idling the in-dash voltage gauge and oil pressure gauge were going from normal to extreme (batt=low/oil p.=high) and the lights were dimming as well as the abs light coming on. So could the starter cause these voltage drops? any advice?

Thanks a lot and any kind of advice is awesome since my truck is dead right now. everything is greatly appreciated.

 

[shore_rider]

Ok so I fixed the ignition problem for now, just replaced the starter and vamoos it starts. Any ideas on the clutch? or advice for when I replace it? thanks

 

[Pensa]

<i>would I need to drop the transmission in order to get to it?</i>

All the cars I've had with clutch slave cylinders were easy to get to and did not require pulling the transmission. They are normally easy to rebuild or replace and would need bleeding after repair/replacement. That isn't difficult either, just open the bleeder screw, push the clutch down and close the bleeder screw. Repeat until no more air comes out of it.

 

[shore_rider]

Ya I found out the slave cylinder is inside the transmissions on the 4L. But I guess I didnt fix the ignition issue.... because today the thing refused to start after I parked it in a canadian tire parking lot, tried jumping it and took the battery inside to get it charged. But nothing worked, wouldnt even turn over just click, click, click. Then fuel began to drip onto the ground from in the engine bay while I was trying to start it. Looked like it was coming from one of the fuel lines (stainless) near the drivers side front cylinder. So ya, loving this truck!