[Argess]

I'm in the process of taking my engine (Ford FE) out of my car due to mechanical problems with it. While I'm at it, I intend to check the clutch as it's acting up.

When I originally built the engine, I installed a new McLeod flywheel, pressure plate and clutch disc. New engine and transmission mounts were also installed when I did the engine over.

When the engine is cold, the car shakes as I let out the clutch in first gear. However, it does NOT shake when I engage reverse. Once the engine warms up, the clutch operates fine. It has always done this and I now have 5000 miles on it.

At 2000 miles, I had to remove the engine for another reason. I inspected the clutch at that time, and could not see anything wrong with any of the clutch components.

Does anybody have any idea on what might be wrong?

[F&J]

In your own case, it sounds like a torgueing problem. The motor/trans moves differently in forward compared to reverse.

I'd be looking at clutch linkages/ bellcrank, etc. I think the movement in the motor is allowing the linkage to move erratically no matter how smoothly you try to let it out.

What happens is that as you start to let it out, the clutch grabs a little, which torques the motor. That torque movement can either give more clutch or less clutch, and it starts a chain reaction.

Look for weak mounts, missing bolts, mounts with the rubber all swelled from oil, and look for old modifications or binding? to clutch bellcrank or linkage.



I just cured my own car of massive chatter. It was a cable setup and was doing that chain reaction deal. I was shocked that I did not need a new clutch setup. I went with the linkage first and never even had to pull the clutch out. I would have bet money that the flywheel or plate was all choppy and causing the problem.

I've got a 66 chev hotrod pickup coming in next week with same symptoms and the owner has had 2 new clutches and both times he had the flywheel redone...it still shakes.

[Argess]

That makes perfect sense.

I'll investigate the linkage operation.

Thank-you!

[Argess]

Guess I'll have to check the mounts, even though they are fairly new. I wasn't thinking, but clutch is hydraulic (i.e. has slave cylinder), so no go with the linkage. But your "torque idea" makes sense.....just have to find out "where" the "give" is......

[ScoTFrenzel]

The pilot bearing might be worn, or the trans input shaft, so the clearance is excessive.