Jumpy Clutch

Hi,

New to Series Land Rovers, just got a Series III 88", but wondering why the clutch is jumpy at low speed. When pulling away the landy jurks, and doesnt drive off smoothy.

Just my driving (and not being used to the 73 gearbox) or knackered clutch??

Thanks for you help,

William

Check there isn't a wading plug (a bolt) in the bottom of the bellhousing. If there is, remove it. Your bellhousing will slowly fill with oil contaminating the clutch with it in causing a judder as you pull away.

If there ain't one, yip prob' clutch on the way out, but it could go on for ages if it isn't too bad.

Hi,

Thanks for your fast reply,

Quick reference to the Haynes manual states;

"Clutch Judder normally occurs when the clutch pedal is released in first or reverse gears and the whole vehicle shudders when moving forwards or backwards"

This seems to be the exact problem I have, so which parts will need replacement, and whats the best way of doing it?

Seems to me that this could mean either worn clutch friction plate, or oil contamination on the Clutch plate (as you suggested)?

So which parts need replacement?

Thanks again,

William

Don't look to the actual clutch too soon. It's a BIG job.

First make sure the engine and gearbox mountings are OK, and the propshaft UJs are OK, and generally think about all the things that can make SLACKNESS in the drive train. This can cause a feeling of snatch ... and Slob knows all about feeling snatch - in fact given half a chance he would clutch snatch at every opportunity. As we all would.

But, the real reason for clutch grab / snatch is that the centre plate is old and tired and worn, and has lost the little bit of squashiness designed-in by sandwiching the linings in between two ever so slightly wavy strips of thin flat high-tensile steel strips. Have a close look at a new plate and you will clearly see this now you know to look. It is there specially to make for a smooth snatch free clutch.

I know Slob and Yella would love a free feeling and clutch of a smooth snatch.

You have two opportunities:

1. live with it . The cheaper option
2. change the centre plate, glaze-bust the flywheel and pressure plate, and make sure neither gearbox nor engine leaking oil into the clutch housing.

CharlesY

it could just be yer crap at working a series clutch, take some time and pratice a bit before you go rippin bits oot