Clutch "Shudder"

[Gerald C.]

In my 1963, I get a slight "shudder" if I let the clutch out with low rpm's. This happens only in 1st gear and no other time as I go through the gears.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jerry

[Tim S.]

Re: Clutch "Shudder"

Is this all of a sudden or just getting worse with time?
1. Clutch sounds bad
2. Flywheel may have hard spots
3. Got an oil leak? Can cause the above.
4. The pilot bushing is probably out of it.
It really sounds like the clutch is out of it. At that point, you can service the rest. I just got done doing the same thing on my 65 F.I. car.
Tim

[Bill I.]

Re: Clutch "Shudder"

Jerry. Might be slight glaze on the flywheel. Feather the clutch a few times, might go away. Bill.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Clutch "Shudder"

Jerry;

Is this something that happens every time at low RPM under all ambient and warn up conditions? Sometimes, as with mine which is still original w/44.5k on it, I can get it to chatter or, I suppose, shudder, but it is usually just under certain conditions. Mine is hooked to a close ratio and 3.36 with the L-76 engine (800 idle RPM). I have my carb working so well now that I can practically just let it out without giving it much gas to get going, i.e. I don't have to feather or slip it much anymore. Sometimes, as in a cruise-in parade, I slip it more than I like because I can't hear the engine and it will chatter or shudder for a while, but it usually corrects itself after more normal use (very forgiving).

Stu Fox

[Richard S.]

Re: Clutch "Shudder"

I had the same with my 66 a few years ago....the clutch gave out about a month later. Hope this helps.

[Jim R.]

Re: Clutch "Shudder"

Working in a speed shop in my younger years, we had many clutch returns with the same problem. After contacting Schiefer clutch and Borg Warner we found most had a bent clutch plate center hub. this was due to the transmission hanging on the disk during installation. If you do not take a straight shot to the pilot bearing and let the trans rest this happens.