I have a Southbend 3600 DD with the upgrade hydraulics. I am fairly certain this system is just a NV4500 hydraulic system. For a little while the gears have been grinding into reverse with the truck completely stopped. Last night and this morning it takes everything i've got to get it into any gear at a stop, especially reverse. For fear of sitting at stoplights, I have been just leaving it in 2nd with the clutch in and the truck will slowly roll forward without the brake. It's raining today so I could'nt notice any leaks and I did'nt have time to check the fluid level on the way to work, but im sure its leaking from somewere. Does anyone know any common problem areas I should start the search?

 

I had the same problem at first. Do you have the G56 or NV5600?

I've got the G56.

First off, did you remove the washer/ spacer from behind the clutch fork pivot ball?

I have also found that no matter what I do, take the gear shifter to third then the reverse. No grinding or excessive effort results.

The clutch pedal should be at about 1 inch above the brake pedal. This can be adjusted by loosening the jam nut and turning the rod that connects the clutch pedal to the slave cylinder. Make sure that when the pedal is compressed that the jam nut does not contact the neutral safety switch.

The clutch and engagement will get better once the clutch is broken in.

 

**Update** I checked the fluid level a minute ago and it was completely full. Also, sorry I did'nt specify, but this isn't an installation problem. I installed the clutch and related components almost 10,000 miles ago with 4 sled pulls, 5-10 1/4 mile runs, and a coast to coast trip. I was really hoping for a leak some where, but seeing the fluid level full is making me worry now.

 

Do you still have the stock hydro's to try out? Also what pressure plate do you have? The diaphram or lever type? If its not the hydro's and its the lever style I would be willing to bet one is broke or bent. But could also be a bad pilot bearing.

 

Same problem on my g56 3250 dd. After talking with sb clutch they asked me to remove the hyd from the bellhousing and check for movement on the fork to confirm the clutch was not shot. I had to remove my clutch and take pics and send to sb. A short time later they instructed me to send the clutch back to them after seeing no signs of abuse.Now I was 16,000 mi on a clutch that should outlast my trans. I got a call saying they recieved the clutch the same day it got there and said they would start on it the next day. The next day I got another call telling me that one of the 3 forks had broke even though upon my visual inspection it didn't appear to be, they also told me it was thier first design and did not make this clutch anymore.
To make along story short sb built me a new 3800 dd fin clutch within the week and all I had to cover was shipping.This new clutch is night and day different, shifts better, pedal feels almost stock ,can't thank them enough Great company, you should give peter a call .

 

I remember it was a 3600 12 button. I don't remember what type it was. What does each look like.

 

The diaphram type has alot of " fingers" like a normal clutch on the pressure plate that make contact on the throwout bearing. The three lever type has just that 3 levers. check out sb website.

 

It is a diaphragm type then. I can take the slave out today. Are there tale tale signs I'm looking for? should I be able to operate the clutch while I'm under there to diagnose it?

 

I seriously doubt the diaphram plate is messed up unless some of the springs have failed. Your stock hydro's will work fine if you have an NV5600, not sure if the G56 hydro's will do the same. Really nothing visual to check. Just install the stock parts and see how it does. Just for the heck of it have you tried running the pedal out further with the upgraded hydro's to allow for more pedal travel?

 

I adjusted it when I first installed the clutch to get it where I want it. I can't find the stock hydros, I think I might have gave them away with the old clutch at a swap meet in N.C. Once again though, I don't understand how its the hydraulics, the mastercylinder is completely full. Also its getting worse. I have to cut the truck off most of the time to get it into 2nd or reverse at a stop, and when I do get it in, it starts rolling forward with clutch fully disengaged.

 

I will take a stab at this just from what I have picked up reading here.....It appears to me as though the 3600 was never intended to be a daily driver but it is improved now with the new diaphragm style.

It could be something as simple as the pedal adjustment backing off on it's own, so if you haven't checked that yet, you need to. My next comment would be to call Southbend and see what they have to say about it. They are hands down one of the very best companies out there for Customer Service and they will have the best idea on what to look at.

 

Thanks Top, and all other commentors, will investigate tonight.

 

Sometimes I guess you just need a reminder to use a little common sense. The pedal was loosened up about 2 inches. Thanks everyone for the help.