Clutch Shudder Question

[gbranham]

I've noticed a slight shudder the past few drives, when I take off from a standstill in 1st or reverse. My clutch engages very close to the floor, which I kind of like. Today, I took a longer drive, and after the long drive, the shudder leaving a stop in 1st was worse. Not unmanageable, but definitely enough of a shudder that I want to fix it. Thinking my footbox clutch adjuster (outside front of the footbox) should be adjusted 'out' toward the front of the car? After my first start a few months ago, I had to back it out toward the front of the car quite a bit, because even with the clutch pedal depressed, putting it in gear would move the car. I fixed that by moving it out. Maybe the cable has stretched a bit and needs to be readjusted. I have 200 miles on the car. Manual clutch and upgraded Ford cable, RAM clutch. All new bits.

Thanks,

Greg

[J R Jones]

Greg, 200 miles on a new installation should not be a wear issue, assembly maybe. The friction surfaces should be parallel.
Another shudder source is a driveshaft U-joint. Check them for "jiggle" and run-out (spinning with wheels off the ground).
jim

[gbranham]

Good thought on the driveshaft. It's the kit-supplied shaft, so it's new. But, I'll check that this weekend. I made my trans tunnel top easily removeable, so inspection should be easy peasie.

I'll report back.

Greg

[wrenchigor]

Is it possible that a little fluid has leaked onto the clutch assembly?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Oil on the flywheel or disc will cause clutch chatter.

Jeff

[Railroad]

Mine, provided by Forte, with the rest of my engine/trans package, chatters and gets worse as I drive. If I can remember, I just slip the clutch, more rpm, slower release. Fellow member on here recommended the procedure.
thanks

[gbranham]

Oil on the flywheel or disc will cause clutch chatter.

Jeff

I pondered that. I'll inspect. I don't have any obvious leaks, but I know how this goes. I did check the driveshaft, and it appears to be healthy.

[gbranham]

Mine, provided by Forte, with the rest of my engine/trans package, chatters and gets worse as I drive. If I can remember, I just slip the clutch, more rpm, slower release. Fellow member on here recommended the procedure.
thanks

Thanks for the tip. I'll give that a go. It doesn't slip at all under hard acceleration, so I know I have good engagement once the clutch is released.

Greg

[VdubJoe]

All correct also can be not broken in properly some are pickey,

Joe

[CraigS]

I would slip it a bit. Rev to maybe 2000 and let it slip for 4-5 seconds as it engages. What I 'think' is happening is that the lining on the disc is a little less than perfectly formed. So you need to smooth down any high spots. Over the years I have had to do this on several new clutches. The problem has always gone away after one or two slip engagements. BTW I like to do a slip job and then drive normally for 10 minutes to let everything cool. Maybe a second slip job then and another 10 min of driving. At that point I bet it is smooth. Best wishes.

[gbranham]

I think I got it sorted. I noticed the car would inch forward when I put it in 1st with the clutch pedal fully pressed. So, I adjusted the clutch quadrant "out" toward the radiator, and things are fine now.

Greg