Strange clutch behavior
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Cliffwood New Jersey
Strange clutch behavior
I have a 1969 small block. A strange problem has developed with my clutch this year. I think I will most likely replace the clutch during this winter anyway, but I would like to understand why it is happening. When I start the car and start driving, the clutch works perfectly, smooth release and smooth transition. After a while, I assume when the car warms up???, the clutch become very sticky and jerky making it difficult to release the clutch smoothly, especially from a stop in first gear. If I turn the engine off, the clutch movement is very smooth. So I don't think it's the linkage. Any ideas?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
I have a 1969 small block. A strange problem has developed with my clutch this year. I think I will most likely replace the clutch during this winter anyway, but I would like to understand why it is happening. When I start the car and start driving, the clutch works perfectly, smooth release and smooth transition. After a while, I assume when the car warms up???, the clutch become very sticky and jerky making it difficult to release the clutch smoothly, especially from a stop in first gear. If I turn the engine off, the clutch movement is very smooth. So I don't think it's the linkage. Any ideas?
I would think your flywheel needs to be resurfaced and a new clutch and pressure plate installed.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Cliffwood New Jersey
In any case, I will take your advice and resurface the flywheel when I replace the clutch.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Cliffwood New Jersey
Any suggestions as to where I should buy the new clutch? Should I order AC Delco from the local parts store or are these on-line stores OK?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 558
Likes: 22
From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
I'm running Centerforce myself. No complaints with it. Only cruise with mine (no racing). I'm sure lots of others have their personal preferences. I guess anywhere you can get the best price will work. Summit and Jegs are good.
And yes, I would have the flywheel resurfaced to remove any hotspots you might have in it. You don't want to do the job twice!! That's always a bummer.
And yes, I would have the flywheel resurfaced to remove any hotspots you might have in it. You don't want to do the job twice!! That's always a bummer.
Last edited by Kim72; Nov 29, 2015 at 06:43 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Hill CA
[QUOTE=Kim72;1591004185]I'm running Centerforce myself. No complaints with it. Only cruise with mine (no racing). I'm sure lots of others have their personal preferences. I guess anywhere you can get the best price will work. Summit and Jegs are good.
And yes, I would have the flywheel resurfaced to remove any hotspots you might have in it. You don't want to do the job twice!! That's always a bummer.[/QUOTE
And yes, I would have the flywheel resurfaced to remove any hotspots you might have in it. You don't want to do the job twice!! That's always a bummer.[/QUOTE
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 91
Likes: 34
From: North Lincolnshire, England
I've never had this problem on a Corvette but you might want to check the rubber block on the transmission mount of the front nose cone, if this has degraded and there is even slight play up there the car will shudder badly when setting off from a stop.
