I agree with the diagnosis, clutch chatter that changes as things warm up usually does indicate a contaminated disc. Many things contribute to clutch chatter, though (a weak/loose front mount or insufficient Bowden tube preload for example) so there may be something you can do to improve things without removing the engine. VW didn't switch over to an O-ring seal between the crank & flywheel until mid`66...the only option on 36HP and earlier motors was the paper gasket. If it's the source of the leakage you'll see visible traces on the flywheel radiating out from the dowel pin holes on the clutch side; front seal leakage wets the backside of the flywheel. How's the crankshaft endplay on the old girl? When you grab the pulley and push in & out there should only be a barely-perceptible clunk. The flywheel seal has a hard time keeping up with excess endplay (more than ~.006" usually indicates that the thrust bearing is walking in the case, which can only be remedied properly by remachining the case for a bearing with a thicker flange)...if it's not TOO bad (say, .008-010") a new seal should buy you some more miles before that has to be done. If you do end up pulling the motor to replace the front seal and gasket, examine the flywheel and clutch cover for hard spots (blue/black streaks that don't come clean with a little sandpaper action) - those can cause chatter too. Consider stepping up to a spring-center disc, too - they cost more but are less prone to chatter than the rigid type.
--- On Thu, 8/7/08, Timothy Osburn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > From: Timothy Osburn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [vintagvw] 36 hp clutch trouble > To: "VW1" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "VW2" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008, 6:40 PM > After lots of research, I'm pretty confident that I have > a problem with my 36hp motor that has messed up the clutch. > The clutch chatters when you take off in first, but it > starts doing it gradually, as the car warms up. I've > heard this indicates oil probably on the clutch plate, most > likely from the front engine seal. Then somebody else tells > me that the old 36hp (vintage '56) had a paper seal at > the fronr end of the engine. True? What can I do? > Tim Osburn, Head Mechanic, Ralph Spoilsport Motors. > Home of Fine, Old Volkswagens and... > Grand Canyon Nut. > The Blues Notions website- www.bluesnotions.com > _______________________________________________ > vintagvw site list > [email protected] > http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/vintagvw _______________________________________________ vintagvw site list [email protected] http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/vintagvw
