I Can't Stop My Clutch Chatter On My '53!

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Mart

I'm glad you found the culprit, Dick.

But Northeast (I guess) still has the problem.

I can't offer much, but would strip and carefully inspect all the parts. I would definitely attach a dial indicator to the flywheel and clock both the bellhousing bore and face for trueness, shimming/redowelling as necessary.

His last post was in Sep 2018.

[Mart]

Originally Posted by JSeery

His last post was in Sep 2018.

Missed that. I feel like I wasted my time thinking about it now. At least Dick found something that might not be obvious. Something to look out for.

Mart.

[Dick]

A brief update.
Northeast replaced the throwout assembly 3 times. This wasn't his problem.
He found a beautiful '65 Merc convertible and sold his '53 without solving the chatter problem.

I'm the 3rd owner of the coupe. 2nd owner bought it from an estate. It had the problem when he got it. He said he installed the throwout bearing and his son had installed it on the hub.

It was bad when I got it, so much so I didn't drive the car but a few blocks.
When we accidentally found this problem we installed the new one I had and it solved 90% of the problem. There is still a little bit but it's very drivable now and I'm going to put some miles on it to get a better feel for the car.

Pretty nice original car, still has the red oxide paint/primer underneath even or the rockers. I'm determined to make it right. This will probably be my last old car due to age and health.
Thanks guys!

[frnkeore]

I read the whole thread and didn't notice it was old, until pointed out

While reading, I didn't see much focus on the spring loaded clutch disk hub. When I was a mechanic, in general, the #1 cause of chatter was worn spring seats and collapsed or broken springs. You need to check the springs for looseness, even in new clutch discs, especially rebuilt's. They shouldn't be have any movement. As a young street racer, I collapsed and broke, a few hub springs, too

It's always prudent to indicate the flywheel if you've had it off. You should check the fit of the pilot bearing and indicating the trans pilot and mounting face, is good if you have the ability but shouldn't cause chatter. Misalignment will cause fast front bearing and pocket bearing wear.

[flatford8]

Very pretty car !......congrats on finding the solution!......Mark

[40cpe]

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Originally Posted by Dick

A brief update.
Northeast replaced the throwout assembly 3 times. This wasn't his problem.
He found a beautiful '65 Merc convertible and sold his '53 without solving the chatter problem.

I'm the 3rd owner of the coupe. 2nd owner bought it from an estate. It had the problem when he got it. He said he installed the throwout bearing and his son had installed it on the hub.

Original poster said car was a '53. Dick indicates he bought the car and shows a picture of a '49? Or did he buy another car with a chattering clutch?

[36fordguy]

The clutch disc is not the correct one for the cover. If the fiber section of the clutch should be the exact same as as the cover if not the disc will chatter.36fordguy

[johnny]

an off the wall suggestion : Loosen off the bell housing bolts and try a drive .retighten the bolts .Q do not the flywheel bolts have a flange ,to fit tightly into the flywheel .Did you use them .Last might you have a tight universal joint that can cause a dance.

[54FordYBlockGuy]

I know this is an old subject, the latest post-2020, but maybe someone will read this. On my 54 Ford Customline, V8 Y Block; I'll get chatter when I slowly start off, but if I feather the throttle, a little more RPM, No Chatter; I've been driving it like that No Chatter going from 1st to 2nd, then to 3rd......."Should I worry or just enjoy the ride"?

[tubman]

Originally Posted by 54FordYBlockGuy

I know this is an old subject, the latest post-2020, but maybe someone will read this. On my 54 Ford Customline, V8 Y Block; I'll get chatter when I slowly start off, but if I feather the throttle, a little more RPM, No Chatter; I've been driving it like that No Chatter going from 1st to 2nd, then to 3rd......."Should I worry or just enjoy the ride"?

You would probably would be better off starting a new thread, but I'll try. First of all, have you done anything about it yet? Stuff like new disk and/or pressure plate? re-surface your flywheel? how are the motor mounts, both front and rear?

We need someplace to start.