Slightly unsmooth takeoff

[Blue-By-U]

My new 92 had a new clutch about 5k ago. Off the line she's kinda shaky...not bad at all...just enough to make me wanna fix it so it's 100% smooth again. The front end has had lots of suspension care but I don't know why it isn't that smooth.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sdpatt]

Was the flywheel resurfaced? If so, how?

 

[Blue-By-U]

Scott
Actually I don't know I have to ask the guy I bought it from. He had the clutch done by a shop so I hope they would resurface the flywheel...or else they shouldn't be doing clutch jobs.

Wouldn't I be experiencing hard starts if the flywheel wasn't surfaced tho?

 

[sdpatt]

The flywheel surface finish would only affect the smoothness of the clutch takeup and the ultimate friction coefficient when the clutch is fully engaged (whether it slips or not).

It is the clutch cable, throwout bearing and pressure plate condition that determines if the clutch can be fully disengaged. If the clutch is fully disengaged and there is trouble making clean shifts, the problem would be worn blocking rings in the synchros.

 

[Blue-By-U]

I am definitely getting smooth shifts so I'm confident the tranny is in great shape. The clutch holds very well also.

It's just that initial takeoff where you have to properly balance the clutch/accelerator that is slightly unsmooth.

 

[AutoSHO]

What you are feeling is a condition known as "chatter". It happens when the flywheel isn't properly resurfaced, the disc is contaminated upon installation, or it has been abused/glazed. Typically this happens because the first thing people do with their new clutch is see how hard it grabs, which is the wrong thing to do. You must baby a new clutch for at least 500 miles after install before you can slowly get more aggressive with the engagement. There really isnt a fix for it aside from removing everything, resurfacing the flywheel, and repeating the break-in procedure, preferably with a new disc. Sometimes getting the disc warm (slipping it, say start in 2nd gear, rev the engine up a bit, and slip the clutch out, to try to clean it up) in an empty parking lot will help to get it to smooth out.

 

[Blue-By-U]

AutoSHO:
What you are feeling is a condition known as "chatter". It happens when the flywheel isn't properly resurfaced, the disc is contaminated upon installation, or it has been abused/glazed. Typically this happens because the first thing people do with their new clutch is see how hard it grabs, which is the wrong thing to do. You must baby a new clutch for at least 500 miles after install before you can slowly get more aggressive with the engagement. There really isnt a fix for it aside from removing everything, resurfacing the flywheel, and repeating the break-in procedure, preferably with a new disc. Sometimes getting the disc warm (slipping it, say start in 2nd gear, rev the engine up a bit, and slip the clutch out, to try to clean it up) in an empty parking lot will help to get it to smooth out.

Chris and Scott
Thanks for your input; it is greatly appreciated. The prior owner had aamco perform the labor and I do NOT trust that place one bit. Maybe I can get them to adjust it for me if I show them the receipt.

If not, I'm thinking about having my reliable SHO mechanic in Bridgewater, MA open her up and replace some parts. I might as well save up for a Fidanza, new OEM clutch kit, and SHO NUT reinforced TOB for a new job.

I also want my tranny fluid flushed and running with Redline.

Anyways thanks for the info guys now I guess I have something to save up for...I just can't have this crappy chatter hindering my takeoff smoothness anymore...it's quite annoying.

 

[Blue-By-U]

If the only problem is my flywheel not being properly machined, what is the chance that my clutch is also bad? Do you guys recommend replacing only my flywheel or should I do the whole clutch? There is about 2k on the new clutch.

 

[Blue-By-U]

Would an improperly ground flywheel also cause my idle to not immediately drop to about 800 RPM when I shift the car into neutral? Instead it goes about about 1200 RPM and slowly settles at about 800 RPM after a second.

<small>[ May 14, 2003, 09:56 AM: Message edited by: LL-Cool-A ]</small>

 

[slickn56]

LL-Cool-A:
Would an improperly ground flywheel also cause my idle to not immediately drop to about 800 RPM when I shift the car into neutral? Instead it goes about about 1200 RPM and slowly settles at about 800 RPM after a second.

This is normal with all the mtx shos I own....While the car is still in motion my cars will stay around 1200 rpms and then fall to 900 rpms at a complete stop.