New V8 clutch fitted

[C8olj]

Job done. Gearbox seals were a real pain to fit.

Thanks to Pete at PNM for parts and answering my questions

[jerrytlr]

Hi I am having problems with clutch judder after fitting the new clutch - do you have same problem?

 

Cheers

 

Jerry

[C8olj]

Hi Jerry. Pete at PNM Engineering advised that before fitting the new clutch, to deglaze the surface of the fly wheel. I also fitted a new master and slave cylinder. And after that it's really important to adjust the peddle movement as per Lotus service notes (you need to ensure that after taking your foot off the peddle that there's a little free play, confirming that the slave cylinder is not exerting pressure onto the clutch fork - plus there another adjustments re overall pedal throw and position etc)

Plus the clutch had new friction plates fitted (AP racing not Helix) and the sandwich plates orbitally ground.

[Alex Carter]

You need to be careful taking meat out of the intermediate plate . All that will happen is the clutch will slip earlier because the material that should be there is now gone

[C8olj]

For sure. We're talking microns when orbitally grinding. And the whole package works just great

[jerrytlr]

Thanks for the tips guys, really helpful.

 

Flywheel was skimmed and clutch reconditioned with new friction plates, bearing etc, so maybe there is an issue with master or slave cylinder, or possibly pedal adjustment? Needless to say I am very disappointed that after all the investment in clutch bits (and new engine mounts) there is still a problem with judder (worse than before the work was done).

 

 

Cheers,

 

Jerry

 

[Dave Hopwood]

Same here chaps ,full new clutch fitted , new engine and gearbox mounts and it judders worst than ever .

The thing about these V8 twin plate clutches is they are almost digital in operation either on or off and lets not forget there are no dampening springs

[Vulcan Grey]

Assuming all else is good and was done correctly...  The clutch needs to transfer a layer of friction material to the flywheel and pressure plates for the system to work properly.  If this is done in an uneven manner, then you'll get judder.

 

I know some people have fixed the judder by slipping their V8 clutch a bit to smear and smooth the friction material while transferring a new even layer, and then holding in the clutch while it cools.

[Guest modifiedv8engines]

Dave when I installed my clutch I paid particular attention to tightening the bolts in sequence to ensure the clutch was square to the flywheel.

 

Initialy there was no judder at all and like you I fitted new engine and g/box mtgs. When the weather is damp or the car has not been used for a while I occassionaly get a little judder but once the engine is up to temp, its smooths out.

 

Reckon you should persevere for a buit longer and if it doesnt get any better try loosening the bolts and sliding the box back and then re-locate the input shaft and line up again. The whole assembly should glide on without any interfernance. If it doesnt go on smoothly then there is an issue and it can result in judder et etc

 

Seem to recall some early cars used a shim on the lower half of the bellhousing to couter act the slightly skew whiff bellhousing machining ??

 

I have bellhousings made for another engine/gearbox installation and if they are not machined 100%, clutch issues can arise.

 

The Americans make off-set gearbox to engine dowl set for mis-alignment issues so in other words its quite common and ing annoying.

 

Paul

[Dave Hopwood]

Hi Paul

 

I did the same as you and tightened the bolts evenly

 

I have a theory as to why a new clutch judders , might be wrong but here goes

 

My old clutch had a weak clamp spring so I reckon the weakness acted as a form of damping upon take up

 

When you fit a complete new clutch the clamp spring has more tension and may act more aggressively upon take up hence judder , and bearing in mind it is still un damped clutch

 

 

Regards

 

Dave

[Guest modifiedv8engines]

Hi Dave

 

What you mention may well be a contributing factor. I am sure you have done everything correctly but did you use a clutch alignment tool or fabricate somethign to do the job ?

 

Could have a word with the seller as they are pretty good or contact AP racing to see what they say

 

Regards

 

Paul

[Dave Hopwood]

Hi Paul

 

I used a old input shaft from a spare gearbox

 

Cheers

 

Dave

[Winter]

This might help, but perhaps not.  It's worth considering though.

 

I had similar problems when I replaced the clutch.  The flywheel had blueing marks but it was true i.e. flat.  A slip-gauge and emery cleaned up the face.

 

After fitting two brand-new clutch plates that I managed to get, while clutch pedal operation was smooth and light, clutch-judder marred matters.  I tried a complete new clutch assembly.  Still judder - plus, after two attempts I had a weaping rear-crank oil-seal.  In the end, I gave up and entrusted work to Peter Smith (sadly now defunct).  I had confidence in the technicians from previous experiences.

 

Solution: new flywheel for the clutch and Lotus alignment tool for the oil-seal.

 

Outcome: retention of light pedal, smooth gear changes throughout the gears and at all speeds and dry seal.

 

I might be wrong - sadly, it wouldn't be the first time - but I suspect that the culprit is the flywheel.

[steve930]

12,000 miles later and still judder free

[Winter]

Hi Steve

 

Excellent!