Date:         Wed, 8 Dec 1999 21:42:23 -0800
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: Shuddering clutch
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
>From: Doktor Tim <doktortim@rockisland.com>
>Subject: Re: Shuddering clutch
>In-Reply-To: <384F1F9D.1E0A362F@mindspring.com>
>
>At 07:18 PM 12/08/1999 -0800, you wrote:
>>I have an '88 Westy with 128,000 miles. I had the clutch replaced about
>>5,000 miles ago, I think with a Sachs unit.
>>What I am noticing is that when the van is cold, the clutch shudders
>>like crazy when releasing. Once the engine has
>>warmed up, the shuddering goes away.

>>Does this sound like the Sachs clutch problem, or could this be a
>>problem with the hydraulics in the clutch mechanism?
>>
>>Thanks

Sounds like a half-a**ed clutch job to me. If you put in a new disc with
the old pressure plate, you have an old weak pressure plate problem and/or
a flywheel surface that needs surfacing. A clutch replacement requires
close scrutiny of the condition of the flywheel. The great majority of the
time, it's just fine. But sometimes it is worn or glazed and must be
reground. Always a clutch replacement should include a new pilot bearing,
throw out bearing, disc and plate, and scrutiny as well for the cross shaft
and thrust fingers. To do less is to repull the motor and do it right the
second time, unless you get lucky. Some people enjoy the excitement of
winning at games of luck. If they don't bitch about the downside when
things go wrong, that's ok.

It might be the Sacks if it is one of the new ones assembled in Mexico. I
haven't seen any failure of them yet, but I use the German assemblies so I
don't have comebacks for problems with workmanship or materials.

It could also be that the parts were fine but the assembly was poor. The
only way to find out is to pull the motor. That's why no compromise will
set you free when it comes to clutches and other things mechanical, or
mental, for that matter.


T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
Surveyor, Mechanic, Poet, Philosopher
San Juan Island, WA