[FC] Clutch c-h-a-t-t-e-r

[Vairtec Corporation]

I had a Greenbrier ('64 4-speed) that did this.  Mine did it only under 
a serious load -- lots of stuff in the van or a trailer on the bumper -- 
but your van can be considered similarly as your van is by not means empty.

Anyway, the culprit proved to be the input shaft.  Replacing it with one 
that was less worn, one that was more true, did the trick.

But, until I found this, I developed a work-around.  The clutch would 
never chatter, regardless of the load, if I fully engaged the clutch 
from rest in first gear WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR.  Light would 
turn green, I would lift up on the clutch pedal to begin moving away, 
and only when the pedal was all the way up would I then hit the gas.

As a result, I still tend to take off this way in manual-transmission 
vehicles, including my Rampside.  You can get good at it, so that you 
are never an impediment to traffic.

--Bob Marlow


On 11/11/2010 7:05 PM, Ben and Lynn Stiles wrote:
> Hi Gang-
>
> Several attempt by my local Corvair repair shop have not eradicated the
> sometimes severe clutch chatter I experience with the '62 Brier. I am
> "this close" to exchanging the sucker with a Powerglide that would make
> it oh so nice to just jump in, put it in D, and drive away. As it is, I
> feel I have to maneuver my feet on the clutch and accelerator
> differently each time I pull out to even remotely gain a "smooth"
> acceleration.
>
> I was talking to my colleague/mechanic friend today who said he would be
> annoyed, too. He asked about the motor mounts...perhaps they are worn
> and stiffer ones might help the chatter? He asked if the cable has been
> lubed? Would this help?
>
> Also, he asked if the flywheel face had been "ground," not just
> machined, to remove all "hot spots" and make for a smoother clutch
> engagement.
>
> Any comments from the experts out there? I have had several clutch jobs
> done to both FCs over the years...this is the most frustrating the
> process has ever been.
>
> Trans mounts have already been replaced in an effort to help and the
> welded angle iron and bolt brace to help with fore and aft powerplant
> movement is in place and beefy. Any ideas before I go Powerglide??
>
> Thanks!  Ben