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Clutch judder

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bigjones

bigjones

Jedi Warrior
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Yo,

I'm wondering if anyone can help me diagnose this problem (1500 Midget). Taking off in first gear, there is a judder. (Also, sometimes going from 1st to 2nd) I can sometimes prevent this by letting the clutch out very slowly. Feels like it is from the engine/clutch/gearbox area. (ie not from the back diff or wheels)

The crankshaft endfloat is 8 thou (ie within spec)

Is there any way to narrow the problem down.

Many thanks for any ideas.

Cheers, BigJones
 
You didn't recently install the clutch or have the flywheel resurfaced did you? I ran across similar symptoms in a Jeep once after installing a new clutch and resurfacing the flywheel. I ended up replacing both so I never knew for sure which was the culprit but I always suspected the flywheel. This was a Zoom clutch from a place in Darlington, SC. Their customer support was great.
JC
 
Welcome to th' forum, BJ.

If the clutch assembly hasn't been renewed it may be one of two things: It's either worn and a spring in the cover or plate has collapsed/broken or you may have lubricant contaminating the plate. Either way it could be time for R&R.
 
No personal experience with this, but I've been told, and it seems reasonable, that bad engine mounts can do it too.

I had quite a problem with this in my TR4A of yore, and it was always oil on the clutch. The front seal in the transmission just didn't work; I'd replace the clutch and seal, and eventually it would start again.
 
You might try burning the clutch a bit and see if this helps with it. Try starting off in 3rd or 4th and get it real hot and sometimes this will get rid of whatever is on the clutch. If that doesn't work then you got to jerk it out of there and see whats up. Always wipe down a new clutch and pressure plate face with laquer thinner or something that removes all grease.
 
i got my NOS clutch disk on ebay the other day
for $35...ALL of my clutch system is new now..
oddly, i still think it isnt quite working correctly..z
 
Thanks for the warm welcome!

Well, you are not going to believe this but I took regularman's advice and I think the problem has gone away!! Ar, ar!!!

I took it to an empty parking lot, put it in 4th gear, revved the engine and let out the clutch. Done this half a dozen times until I could detect the sweet aroma of burning clutch.

I really believe the judder has gone. I'll recheck tomorrow.

Many thanks for the suggestions.

Cheers, BigJones
 
bigjones said:
Thanks for the warm welcome!

Well, you are not going to believe this but I took regularman's advice and I think the problem has gone away!! Ar, ar!!!

I took it to an empty parking lot, put it in 4th gear, revved the engine and let out the clutch. Done this half a dozen times until I could detect the sweet aroma of burning clutch.

I really believe the judder has gone. I'll recheck tomorrow.

Many thanks for the suggestions.

Cheers, BigJones
Click to expand...
Hopefully that works for a long while at least. I done this a couple times on the wife's festiva and it works every time so far. Still on the original clutch with 230,000 on it. Its worth a try before doing a big job on it.
 
I tried that on the jeep thinking I got something on the clutch when I installed it but it didn't work. I was afraid they wouldn't take it back. I think I burned a good portion of it off. Glad it worked for you.
JC
 
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