Pressure plate replacement

B

Bullerman

Senior Member
For ones that have to replace their pressure plate. Are you using the three finger style?
Having mine replaced. The mechanic said something about using the new style. I got mine from Shoe Box Central. Told them I had a 50 model. This is what they sent. Is there a aftermarket that's better than the original?
Mine had one finger that was gone. I hope this fixes my problem.
 
By new style, I'd assume they are referring to a diaphragm-type pressure plate. I would ask them to clarify what they mean. If so, I'd say go for it. Used a diaphragm-type on my hot rod build and love it.

Most all modern clutches are diaphragm types now days.
 
Got the car back. Still have the same problem as I was having. Still shudders on take off and when I downshift from third to second.
Something is going on with the clutch pedal. I have way to much free play. The mechanic that did the job talked like something was rigged with the clutch pedal.
I may take some pictures tomorrow and post them. See if anybody sees anything strange.
I am hoping for some reason it is not letting the clutch work like it should.
New pressure plate, clutch disk and pilot bearing. All the adjustment was taken out of the clutch rod and still had way too much play.
 
How are your front motor mounts? I replaced the clutch in my '51 and it didn't help much. Replaced the motor mounts and all was good.
 
I haven't checked that. Need to. Does anyone have an idea how long the clutch rod should be? It almost like the clutch rod isn't long enough to take the slack out. I may order a new one so I know I have the right one. Just wondering how long it should be.
 
About a month ago I suggested replacing the motor and trans mounts on one of your other threads regarding this problem. Would have been a much cheaper place to start. If I didn’t know the real source of a problem, I’d throw parts starting with the cheapest.
 
There is a wealth of information/opinions on this board about the 3 finger clutch designs vs the diaphragm style. There are many of us that are using diaphragm type, and I haven’t seen a single complaint. Driving the 49 one day shifted great. Next day I couldn’t get it into gear without the dreaded grind. Pulled the transmission and measured the forks and of course 1 of them had come out of adjustment. Pulled the clutch and the disc was about shot anyway. Reading the complaints about rebuilders (and yes the one favored here also) decided to go with the diaphragm. Called Centerforce tech line and they sent me the right flywheel, PP and disc. I don’t enjoy pulling the ****** because of a onshore rebuilder’s incompetence or a 3rd world “new” clutch.
Just a heads up, the big 3 quit using them back in the late ‘70s. Gotta be a reason.
 
32 Sport Coupe is body style 50, Make sure you order engine and transmission parts by their year of Mfg. and HP. not the year of the car or the model of the vehicle.

One of the three fingers missing, where could it have gone? How long has it been gone? I would bet, if it has been gone for a long time there is other damage to the throwout and pilot.
The original style has the three cast fingers with weights cast into them, each finger has an adjustment bolt. The weights help to increase pressure plate pressure upon the clutch plate as RPM increase making sure the clutch does not slip. The adjustment bolts make sure the throwout acts upon each finger at the same time.
 
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Read my post again. One of the fingers wasn't gone it just wasn't the same height as the other two. I thought maybe that was the problem but apparently it wasn't.
I went to a friend on mines house this afternoon. I raised the hood and let my friend stand beside the car. Let him watch the motor when I pulled off. We didn't see any shake in the motor while I felt the shudder. I don't think there is anything wrong with the motor mounts.
I am sick over it I know that. I don't really know what to do.
 
When I built my car the arm that connects to the lever on the trans was crazy worn out (worn out on the ball side, not trans side). I’m a newb at this stuff but haven’t seen that mentioned.
 
Man I hope not. The guy said he surfaced or had surfaced the flywheel.
Hopefully it is tight. Like I said it was doing this before everything was replaced. I don't know.
 
Went and talked to mechanic that replaced the parts. He did say the flywheel was taken to a machine shop and surfaced so I should have two smooth surfaces. He says he thinks it could be in the pressure plate. In the three arms the way it is made. He had the clutch pedal play at probably a couple of inches. I adjusted it closer to 11/4". He says to back it off to where I have a bunch of play and try it. I told him it actually seems worse now than before.
He knew what it was doing . He did check the transmission and motor mounts and said they were good. I am going to put some play in it and see if it does any good.
I know the three finger pressure plate isn't perfect but I think it at least work. I didn't ask him if he made any adjustments on the pressure plate fingers. You would think they would come adjusted evenly if that's what you adjust.
 
Got out there today and fooled with the adjustment. Adjusted it to where I had a lot of Freeplay. Doesn't matter if I have 3" or 1 1/4 it still does the same thing. As soon as I let off the clutch I can feel it grabbing, shuddering or shaking. Could this be one of the arms out of adjustment. The guy didn't say anything about adjusting the arms. I am at a loss.
 
One suggestion was to check the grease on the transmission. I haven't did that but I am checking it in the morning. I did read that if it is low it could cause shudder. That would be too good to be tire but I am checking it in the morning.
 
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