
CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED)
Do not ride or slip the clutch as this will cause unnecessary heat and
wear. Maintain the specified clutch adjustment to prolong its life and
regularly inspect the clutch control linkage for tightness. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for other maintenance
information. When adjustment of the clutch is necessary, it is very
important that the work be performed properly or early clutch failure
may result and a costly clutch overhaul may become necessary. Clutch
work should only be performed by a qualified technician.
Engaging the clutch
•Always start in the proper gear.An empty vehicle can start in a
higher gear than a fully loaded vehicle. Starting in too high a gear can
cause clutch slippage and excessive heat and wear on the clutch. A
gear that will start the vehicle moving at idle speed is the correct gear.
If the engine has to be revved to get the vehicle going, the gear
selection is too high.
•Do not shift until the vehicle has reached the proper speed.
Upshifting before the vehicle has reached the proper speed can cause
clutch slippage and excessive heat and wear on the clutch.
•Never hold a vehicle on a grade with the clutch.This will cause
the clutch to slip and can actually burn up the clutch.
•Never coast with the clutch disengaged.The high RPM
(sometimes over 10,000), can actually burst the facing material of the
clutch.
•Never engage the clutch while coasting.Re-engaging the clutch
after coasting may not only cause a great shock to the clutch, but the
whole drivetrain. Internal engine damage and/or clutch and flywheel
failure can result from this.
If your vehicle’s transmission is equipped with a ceramic clutch, you
must start the vehicle moving in first gear and engage the clutch before
pressing the accelerator at idle. Also, don’t try to slip the clutch by
raising engine RPM and riding or feathering the clutch pedal since the
vehicle will experience erratic engagement. Erratic engagement can
cause the engine stalling and potential serious damage to the vehicle’s
driveline components.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
126

Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer toLubricant specificationsin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter for the lubricant specification. Remember that
regardless of the rear axle lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first
500 miles (800 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles
(800 km) of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with
no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(if available on your automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual
transmissions and automatic transmissions without a P [Park]
position).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
140

Inline fuses
Your vehicle has two inline fuses located in/on the battery cables by the
battery. A 10A fuse for the transmission control module and a 40A fuse
for the engine control module. Refer toAutomatic transmission
operationin theDrivingchapter andBatteryin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter for more information.
Your vehicle may have three inline fuses located in/on the battery cables
by the battery. A 10A fuse for the transmission control module, a 40A
fuse for the engine control module, and a 40A fuse for the Full Power
Brake Pump. There is also a 30A fuse for the Full Power Brake Pump by
the cowl.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING:The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
Before connecting a fast-charger, booster battery or installing a new
battery, make sure the ground polarities of the fast-charger, booster
battery or alternator (when installing a battery) are matched to the
ground polarity of the vehicle battery. Improper usage of the
fast-charger, hook-up of booster battery or installation of a new battery
can cause damage to the electrical system or to the alternator. Do not
attempt to polarize the alternator.
Preparing your vehicle
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.Do not attach the
jumper cables to the glow plug relay as this could severely damage the
glow plugs, injector driver module and PCM.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
153

GENERAL SERVICING GUIDELINES AND PRECAUTIONS
As with any machine, care should be taken to avoid being injured when
performing maintenance, repairs or system checks. Improper or
incomplete service could result in the vehicle not working properly
which, in turn, may result in personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
equipment. It is the operator’s responsibility to see that the vehicle
receives proper care and maintenance. If you have any questions about
performing some service, have the service done by a qualified technician.
Servicing guidelines
When servicing your vehicle, always:
•turn off the ignition unless the particular procedure calls for the
engine to be running.
•set the parking brake or chock the wheels.
•use support stands, not a jack, whenever you must be under a raised
vehicle.
•do not smoke.
•wear safety glasses for eye protection.
•operate the engine in a well-ventilated area
•do not work on the brakes or the clutch unless the proper precautions
are taken to avoid inhaling friction material dust.
•do not wear loose-fitting clothing, hanging jewelry, watches or rings.
•avoid contact with hot metal parts. Allow the hot components to cool
before working with, or around them.
Quality service parts are available through your dealer. If dealer parts are
not used, the owner must make sure that the parts that are being used
are equivalent quality to dealer parts.
WARNING:The use of inferior parts can adversely affect the
quality and reliability of your vehicle which, in turn, can result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
Note:To avoid damage to the vehicle’s electrical components, disconnect
the positive (+) and negative (-) battery cables prior to electric welding.
Attach the welder ground cable as close as possible to the part being
welded. If it is necessary to weld close to an electrical component, it is
recommended that the electronic component be temporarily removed.
Follow the periodic lubrication procedures and regular inspection
intervals as outlined. Have your dealer or service center inspect your
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
171

vehicle at least once a year. Remember that regular maintenance and
replacement of worn components will usually prevent serious problems
from developing later.
WARNING:Making modifications to various parts, components
and systems of the vehicle, such as brake and steering systems
can adversely affect the quality, reliability and operation of your vehicle
and could result in property damage, personal injury or death. Such
modifications must be avoided.
The lubrication intervals present a good opportunity to inspect the
vehicle. It is suggested that the various points listed herein be checked
at the lubrication or other recommended intervals.
WARNING:Failure to properly perform maintenance and
servicing procedures could result in vehicle damage, personal
injury or death.
If the owner/operator of the vehicle is a skilled technician and intends on
performing the vehicle maintenance and service, he is strongly urged to
purchase a service manual.
WARNING:Take care when performing any maintenance,
system check or service on your vehicle. Some of the materials
may also be hazardous if used, serviced or handled improperly and
could result in property damage, personal injury or death.
Air conditioning system checks
Have your air conditioning system checked each spring. The refrigerant
charge, cleanliness of the condenser-evaporator cores and belt condition
are essential to air conditioning performance.
When the air conditioning system is being used daily, remove the fresh
air filter (if equipped) once each season and check for dirt, lint, etc.
Replace the filter if necessary. Vehicles operating in unusually dusty
conditions may require inspecting and replacing the fresh air filter more
often.
Front axle - general service information
Maintaining the front axle alignment to specifications is very important
and should only be performed by a qualified technician. Toe-in
adjustment is particularly important with radial tires.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
172

Check to make sure that the axle mounting U-bolt nuts, attaching or
mounting bolts and nuts are securely tightened. Regularly check front
axle for damage, binding, worn parts and adequate lubrication.
At regular intervals, or during other scheduled maintenance, (tire
rotation/service, wheel bearing service, alignment, etc.) the kingpins
should be checked for excessive wear. Refer to the service manual for
proper procedures.
Toe-in setting - general inspection
Inspecting steer axle tires in the first 3,000–10,000 service miles
(4,800–16,000 service km) will generally show if tires are wearing
normally.
Rapid outside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-in.
Rapid inside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-out. In
P&D-type service, left-to-right steer tire tread life differentials up to 40%
can be observed depending on routes and other variables.
Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, load range (ply rating) and steer axle loading typical for
their operation (each steer axle tire will equal
1 2steer axle loading).
Special applications may warrant a setting based on past experience with
the type of tire operating loads and conditions. Radial tires are more
sensitive to toe-in setting than bias ply tires. While not insensitive to
vehicle alignment, fine tuning school bus alignment to line-haul truck
standards will not drastically improve tire tread life.
It is essential that correct toe-in and tire pressure be maintained for
optimum tire wear.
Rear axle - general inspection
Check to make sure that the axle mounting U-bolts, attaching or
mounting bolts and nuts are securely tightened. Refer toU-bolt nut
torquein this chapter. Regularly check the rear axle for damaged,
binding or worn parts.
NoSpin Detroit Locker positive locking differential
Vehicles equipped with this type differential have the operator’s manual
supplied with the vehicle. Refer to this manual for maintenance checks.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
173

Brake system - general inspection
Your vehicle is equipped with non-asbestos brake linings. However,
exposure to excessive amounts of brake material (whether asbestos or
non-asbestos, fiberglass, mineral wool, aramid or carbon) may be a
potentially serious health hazard.
Note:Persons handling brake linings should follow all precautions listed
below:
WARNING:
1. Always wear a respirator approved by the National Institute of
Occupational Studies of Health (NIOSH) or Mine Safety and Appliance
(MSA) during all brake service procedures. Wear the respirator from
removal of the wheels through assembly.
2.Neveruse compressed air or dry brushing to clean brake parts or
assemblies.
3. Clean brake parts and assemblies in open air. During assembly,
carefully place all parts on the floor to avoid getting dust in the air. Use
an industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system to clean dust
from the brake drums, backing plates and other brake parts. After using
the vacuum, remove any remaining dust with a rag soaked in water and
wrung until nearly dry.
4.Neveruse compressed air or dry sweeping to clean the work area.
Use an industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system and rags
soaked in water until wrung until nearly dry. Dispose of used rags with
care to avoid getting dust in the air. Use an approved respirator when
emptying vacuum cleaners and handling used rags.
5.Worker clean-up:Wash your hands before eating, drinking or
smoking. Vacuum your work clothes after use and then launder them
separately, without shaking them, to prevent fiber dust getting into the
air.
Air brakes - inspection and adjustment
A regular schedule for periodic cleaning, lubrication and adjustment
inspection should be established based on the type of vehicle operation.
It is difficult to predetermine an exact maintenance interval (time or
mileage), since vehicles will be used in a wide variety of applications and
conditions. If you are uncertain of the proper schedule and procedures
for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
174

Periodic checking of push rod travel or brake adjustment is essential for
effective braking. Push rod travel should be checked every service
interval to determine if adjustment is correct. Brake chamber push rods
on original equipment chambers now incorporate a stroke indicator to
aid in adjustment checks; an orange paint marker near the base of the
push rod. If the push rod is clean and the brakes are out of adjustment,
the orange marker can be seen protruding from the chamber when the
brakes are applied.
WARNING:Do not manually adjust the automatic slack
adjusters to correct excessive pushrod stroke as it may result in
reduced brake effectiveness and a vehicle crash. Excessive pushrod
stroke indicates that a problem exists with the automatic adjuster, with
the installation of the adjuster, or with foundation brake components
that manual adjustment will not remedy. Seek service from a qualified
facility for excessive pushrod stroke.
Inspect the brake lining every maintenance interval. When brake lining or
blocks are worn to within 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of rivets, brake lining must
be replaced. This inspection or adjustment should only be performed by
a qualified technician and must be in accordance with instructions
provided by the service manual.
Do not back off or disconnect the front brakes so that they are less
effective, letting the rear brakes do all the stopping of the vehicle. Do
not overlook the brakes on the trailer, either. Brake condition on the
trailer is just as important as the tractor. Proper brake balance on trucks
and tractor-trailers is essential for effective braking.
Once a year, the entire brake system must be inspected. Check the
following:
•Any rubber as it may deteriorate whenever used. Rubber brake
components should be inspected by a qualified technician and
replaced as necessary. Replacement intervals vary according to the
severity and length of vehicle service.
•Condition of brake drums, brake chambers and slack adjusters.
•System for air leaks.
•Hose or pipes for rust, damage and deterioration.
•Operation of service and parking brakes.
Some parts such as air brake chamber diaphragm, air compressor and air
cleaner should be inspected periodically and replaced if considered
unserviceable.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
175