TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Aug 14, 2008 12:25 pm

Hi - I've got a 1600 that I can't figure out how to fix - I have tried two different new pressure plates (and TO bearings) and have bad vibration on acceleration. I pulled the flywheel off looking for markings to indicated heavy spots that match to the crank but nothing here. Set the end play at .004 and changed both seals. I also tried shimming the bowden tube but no change.

Question:
How do I balance the flywheel to the pressure plate or what should I try next?

Thanks - Joe

Thu Aug 14, 2008 1:15 pm

Am I correct in understanding this only happens as you are engaging the clutch and when your foot is off the clutch pedal it does not? If this is the case its possible the disc is bad or the cradle and/or transmount(s) are broken/worn.

Thu Aug 14, 2008 1:56 pm

perrib - you are correct in that the vibration is felt only while clutch is engaged. I have also changed the transmission mounts, front, back and cradle.

I tried putting in a 1200 and it runs fine with no vibration so I know it's in the 1600 clutch area . . .

Thu Aug 14, 2008 1:59 pm

How's the bowden tube? Does it have the correct deflection?

Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:08 pm

yep, bowden tube (1.5" deflection) is fine and it also has no vibration with the 1200 installed . . .

Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:30 pm

The flywheel might be unbalanced. Have you tried a diiferent disc?

Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:55 pm

yep, tried two different disks, pressure plates and TO bearings - all vibrate bad . . .

Thu Aug 14, 2008 3:35 pm

You have done it all its time to get the flywheel balance checked out.

Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:08 pm

Can a regular machine shop check out the flywheel balance?

Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:23 pm

One that does balancing can. But am I rethinking out of balance. What "bugs" me is I just realized the unbalanced flywheel I installed noticeably vibrated the engine at idle and when it was revved up (I never drove it) which would be different than an engine that only vibrated when engaging the clutch. Are they three arm pressure plates or diaphram. Have you pushed on the levers and felt any gimpy ones?

Thu Aug 14, 2008 7:54 pm

Here's a pic of the pressure plate ring that appears to be worn only on two sides:

Is this normal?

Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:01 pm

you said that you installed a 1200 motor in the car with the same clutch/pressureplate/tob, that you were using with the 1600 motor? i thought that the pressureplate/tob was different between the 1200 and 1600. somebody with more experience than me might know. i would think that if the flywheel was warped or unbalanced that the engine would vibrate at all times not just when the clutch was engaged.

Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:02 pm

Check the cross arms. if one arm is bending back it will move the diaphram unevenly.

Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:19 pm

nope - I installed a 1200 motor in the car with a DIFFERENT clutch/pressureplate/tob from the 1600 motor and it ran fine. I think this proves the tranny, bowden tube and release arm is fine.

This also indicates the problem is in the 1600 setup and I'm guessing the flywheel since I've tried two different pressure plates on that flywheel and they both vibrate.

Guess I'll find someone that can check the balance, but how about the pic above of the pressure plate with wear only on two sides on the center ring?

Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:33 pm

I forgot about the known good set up. Try pushing on the wide side and see if it moves easier than the side with the narrow mark. It looks like the side with the wide mark is releasing faster than the narrow side. You may have to take the ring off to feel each finger. Can you check with a dial indicator and see if the flywheel runs true.

Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:04 pm

Found the problem! When I pressed down on one of the finger on the pressure plate, the centering ring fell to one side and just falls around. It's came loose from the fingers:

Guess it was the pressure plate - cheap crap! Thanks for the help everybody . . .

Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:07 pm

I hate it when that happens.