Clutch slips when cold only?

[MOSHO92]

Hello,

I have a ’92 with just shy of 200k miles on the original motor and tranny. I have, however, gone through my share of clutch kits over the years (5 I think…)

Currently I have a Fidanza aluminum flywheel (with the steel insert) paired with a Spec stage 1 clutch and pressure plate. It’s been in for only 10 months now and is beginning to show some problems. Just to clear the air: ONE: The insert was replaced when I last replaced the clutch, which is Fidanza’s version of “resurfacing” the flywheel. TWO: This car is my daily driver (50/50 highway/city miles) and I drive mostly conservatively (with some occasional spirited runs in the country )

Problems:

• It slips under moderate to heavy acceleration, but only when the engine is cold. Once warmed up, it grips good enough to break loose the tires.
• I also have been struggling with MAJOR clutch chatter. It’s very difficult to engage the clutch smoothly, and when done hastily the whole car feels like its going to break into pieces.

Can anyone offer any insight to what may be the issue here?

Thanks in advance,
Ty

 

[SHO#7]

I have always heard bad things about the fidenza flywheel.

Did the problems just start, or did they start after the insert was replaced. Is the clutch chatter always there, or does that too go away once warm.

Mike

 

[MOSHO92]

The problems only started a few weeks ago. For the first few months everything was smooth. I was actually very satisfied with the setup until now.

The chatter does subside slightly when it warms up, but is still very present.

Should I be looking for a new clutch kit? Or do you think this might be a simpler problem, like an engine or tranny mount. FYI, both my engine mounts are the SHONUT reinforced mounts. Strong, but I'm sure not immune to damage.

 

[SHO#7]

If the mounts were weak, you would know. Tell tale signs are a polished intake, and the difference between bad mounts, and clutch chatter are enough that you could tell the difference.

It is possible that the clutch is the issue, however I would point more towards the flywheel. It is possible that the clutch puked up a spring ( I dont remember if our disc has springs in the center ) But I would go back to a freshly machined stock steel flywheel and a clutchmasters stage 1 disc kit. If you must have a lightweight flywheel ( I did too ) try to find a SHOSHOP one. That is what I had. Or you can get your factory steel one ground down.

But, to me. That is where I say your problem lies. Shes coming back apart. And I would not continue to drive with chatter. You will end up hurting other parts of the transmission.

Mike

 

[MOSHO92]

Shes coming back apart...

Bummer. Well thank you for the sound advice, sounds like I've got some work ahead of me...

Ty

 

[93rev2sev]

When you have a lightened(read "race only") flywheel, any amount of glazing on the clutch disk or flywheel itself amplifies chatter, due to the lower inertia of a lighter flywheel.

Resurfacing the flywheel may help, but I'm sure an OEM flywheel will.

 

[93rev2sev]

I was thinking about this last night....

Are the replacement inserts suppost to be installed with any kind of heat transferring substance?

I supposed that if the heat from the steel insert is not transferring to the aluminum of the flywheel it will warp and become glazed more easily.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

Here's some information on clutch chatter posted in another thread on problems others have had with the Fidanza flywheel:

thoughts on fidanza 9lb flywheel
​

 

[MOSHO92]

Thanks for the link. I've got one of the older fids, with the too-small insert. I think that it probably has much to do with the chatter... and maybe even the slippage.

93rev2sev, I'm not aware of any callout for a thermal conducter material for the insert.