Clutch Shudder

[Del C.]

What causes the entire car to shudder when starting from a stop using normal gas/clutch operation? If I release the clutch faster and accerlerate hard I don't have the problem.

[Terry F.]

Re: Clutch Shudder

Who put the clutch in and what type of clutch is it (manufacture)? A lot can cause what you are talking about. On these old cars you really can't short cut much when it comes to trying to make them run right. I say that because by the time they are 30 to 40 years old, they have had enough driving to wear almost eveything out in the drive train.

If the clutch was recently replaced, it may settle down after a while. So drive the car and see what happens. But you need to have a nice clutch surface and good alignment of everything to ensure that all will function properly. Any of the large items will cause a shutter in the drive line. A large camshaft will make it seem worse but won't cause it.

When you step on the clutch, can you feel any vibration in the pedal?

Give us a history of the car so I can tell what has been done to it in the past. Did it just start doing it or is this something that developed slowly over time? Terry

[Del C.]

Re: Clutch Shudder

I have no clue to how old the clutch is. Its a '72 SB with 63500 original miles - I've owned it for 3 years. I'm at least the 4th owner and I was unable to get any more history than the last owner. He did not repalce the clutch and owned it from 55,000 miles. There isn't a vibration when depressing the pedal. It seems the problem has always been there but may be getting worse.

[John H.]

Re: Clutch Shudder

Del -

Check for a failed driver's side engine mount or transmission mount; either one will cause a "shudder" from rest.

[Terry F.]

Good Point! *NM*

[Terry F.]

Re: Clutch Shudder

It sounds to be a very original car. As mentioned, if you can wedge a prybar, block of wood, etc. between the engine and the front crossmember, you can lift up on the left side of the engine.

I would strongly suspect it to be bad anyways whether it is causing the problem or not. Terry

[Del C.]

Re: Clutch Shudder

Thanks everyone for your advise. I'll give the mounts a look tonight.

[Roger Legge]

Re: Clutch Shudder

Also check for binding in the clutch linkage.

Roger