Slipping Clutch

["Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)" <BSWANN@arinc.com>]

Gisli Ottarsson <gisli@master.adams.com> wrote -

>  DJ> 3) Grease or oil on disc/press plate from assembly or from pilot
>  DJ>    bearing, mainshaft seal, flywheel bolts (the holes go through
>  DJ>    the crankshaft) or flywheel seal.

>Aha, here is a new candidate.  I replaced the pilot bearing and
>greased it with careless amount of grease.  Some of this may have been
>squeezed out and pushed out to disk surface via centrifugal forces.

>What's the word on this?  If the clutch is contaminated, does it clear
>itself up or is the disk ruined?

This is almost undoubtedly your problem.  It was my first suspicion - sorry
I didn't reply earlier.

The real fix - take apart, clean everything with Brake-Kleen or other
similar solvant and replace clutch disk.

Since you didn't want to hear that, then try getting some brake clean in on
the disk - don't know how you'ld do this, but maybe you can get some in
through the flywheel hole and spray at an angle while someone is actuating
the clutch pedal.  Be sure to wear goggles and protective wear so it doesn't
get in your eyes, face, etc.  You may be able to cut enough of the lube off
so it doesn't slip any more.

I had this happen on a clutch job way back on a Scirocco with modified
engine - centrifugal force spins the oil off the well lubed pilot bearing
shaft and all over the disk.  After having some near misses by not having
power when I needed it, finally bit the bullet and replaced disk.  End of
story.

After you try cleaning the disk if you can then -
>I suppose I should drive the car for a while and see.  

Good Luck,

Ben Swann
3Q's