Date:         Tue, 18 Apr 2000 00:16:40 -0400
Reply-To:     jeff crane <jeffcrane@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jeff crane <jeffcrane@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Shuddering clutch engagement
In-Reply-To:  <38FBBC65.963C1ABF@mindspring.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

  I keep reading  the statements made as regards shuddering clutch
engagement.  You folks are fond of saying ,IMHO, so here comes mine for what
it is worth.
  Having worked in the transportation industry for over 20 years in  every
capacity  associated with vehicular maintenance, from cars to  heavy diesel
trucks, I can say that this particular malady is universal.  The problem
with poor engagement of the drive clutch can be traced to the flywheel and
or clutch pressure plate hammer surface. It is just good policy  to have the
flywheel stone ground  in a flywheel machining apparatus, that  includes
coolant  in the process and has stone  "cutters"  made just for this
purpose.  If you take a moment to look at the face of the pressure plate
hammer on the new one, you will see the smooth shiny surface. Your flywheel
completes the other side so the grip should be the same. If it is not so
you get grabbing during engagement. Run your finger tips across the surface
of the flywheel where it is blue and burnt, you will feel the difference.
This must be dealt with, to ensure proper operation during engagement.
Don't waste your time going all ballistic on the  clutch manufacturer or
rebuilder. In the end you would feel pretty silly.
  Jeff/Florida

P.S.  Soon I hope to be in the market for a Westy, so I have joined your
list to learn as much  as I can about them in order to make a good purchase
choice.