'66 Clutch chatter

mmaliga · 08-23-2006, 10:34 AM

I did a T5 conversion on a 1966 Coupe with a 289. It ran pretty well until the oil pump drive sheared from the distributor. So, I wen on and had the engine redone, and it took me about 5 years to get the engine back in.

Much to my surprise, the car came down with a bad case of clutch chatter after the new engine. Only on hill starts, but totaly unnerving. So, after a year of running, I replaced the clutch plate and flywheel. It went away for a few weeks, and then was back with a vengeance.

as far as the most likely parts:

Flywheel - changed on Flywheel Change (Stock)
Clutch Disk - changed on T5 conversion and Flywheel Change (Stock, Organic)
Throwout bearing - changed on engine rebuild (Stock replacement)
Pressure Plate - Centerforce - changed on T5 Conversion
Motor Mounts - Changed on T5 Conversion and Motor Rebuild
Transmission Mounts - changed on T5 Conversion and subsequent troubleshooting
Universal Joints - changed on T5 Conversion
Clutch Linkage - rebushed on Motor rebuild
Clutch Pedal Bearings and Springs - changed on Motor rebuild

After doing this, I am considering looking at the rear end (open, 9", 2.80 ratio). With the overdrive, 2.8 is way too high.
However, the car is hardly driveable with the clutch chatter.
A visual inspection shows no oil, Anti Freeze or Brake fluid around the Bell Housing - it is completely dry.
The throwout bearing had spun a little grease off of it. Doesn't appear to be a sealed bearing. Not sure what to say.
Not much grease in a throwout bearing anyway.

So, after all of this - I either have to continue along the rear axle (or some other) route, or go back and re do something that I have done before.

Any opinions?

ideal_mustangs · 08-23-2006, 11:20 AM

Leaking rear main seal could cause it.

mmaliga · 08-24-2006, 11:21 AM

Thanks - that is usually the first thing that people tell me.
Had the Flywheel off last month - can't see any evidence of it, nor of the front tranny seal leaking.

Throwout bearing seemed to have a grease spray coming out of it - I'm beginning to think that this is it.

Either throwout bearing or pressure plate.

I hate to tear the transmission out again, so I was checking into the rear axle situation. Pinion nut had come a bit loose.
Tightened, but this did not straighten it out.

Suspecting that the throwout bearing should be sealed, and I shouldn't be seeing any grease coming off of it.

Debating about replacing the pressure plate - it is going to have ot come out to be cleaned anyway, and I haven't had much luck with the local machine shops. I think the clutch plate replacement is a given, despite the fact that it is new.

69FECoupe · 08-24-2006, 12:17 PM

You seem to have it covered but you don't mention the pilot bushing. I seem to remember that it must be changed to the late model type when converting to a t5. Just a thought.

mmaliga · 08-24-2006, 01:24 PM

I think that you hit it.
The clutch chatter wasn't there when I first did the T5. It came when the engine got rebuilt.

Looking through the receipts, they replaced the pilot bushing with the "proper" 1966 one.

Damn!

gjz30075 · 08-24-2006, 04:47 PM

While you're in there investigating the pilot bushing, check crank shaft end play. Should only be .004 - .008" Excessive end play will also cause chatter.