clutch problems - SOLVED, grabby and notchy Options

[mzalanka]

I'm reposting my question from yesterday, which was poorly received. In hindsight I should have just asked the question and skipped the degree of detail and lame attempts at humor. Wish delete was an option.

Two clutch-related problems: clutch pedal feel that gets "notchy" or, for lack of a better term, "not smooth" as the engine warms, and also judder or grabbing from take-off in first (also gets worse as engine warms).

I do not know my way around a clutch or a transmission. The one installed was put in by the engine rebuilder and sat for 5 years.

Vehicle has new pressure plate, friction disk, TOB, Gemo cable, rebuilt pedal cluster. Just fixed an input shaft leak, drove about 100 miles on it. Seems like that could explain the grabbing but not the worsening notchiness, which is still present even when engine is off, warm, and has been present since Mile 0.

I've ordered a clutch kit from PP and will probably just replace the whole thing, but what specifically should I be looking for in terms of faults?

Thanks. Long time lurker but rare poster. Greatly appreciate the World.

[TheCabinetmaker]

One more thing, sounds like a clutch out of adjustment, or a wet clutch.

[mzalanka]

When I press the clutch pedal cold, it's like butter.

When the engine's warm, it's like gravel. Doesn't need more pressure, just not smooth, at all.

Gets worse as engine gets warmer. So does the "grabbing" thing in first gear. So I figure they're related. But, engagement in all of the other gears seems fine, despite the "gravel" feel.

Continues to feel like "gravel" until things cool off, even with the engine shut off. When the engine/transmission/clutch cools off, clutch pedal is like butter again.

[mzalanka]

Had a helper push on the clutch pedal and realized release fork is hitting the rear trans case on disengage. Like I said, I don't know my way around clutches.

I know from prior inspection there are no shims under the ball. So obviously I need to do that when I drop the trans also.

Question: is this part of my grabby problem too? Maybe I've been shifting with the clutch partially engaged and toasted something? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Heated up the clutch cable with a heat gun with the engine cold - pedal stays smooth. So That helps rule out the clutch cable.

Edit: Bruce good thought but replaced the ball socket bushing along with new TOB with install. I think it needs shimmed.

[bdstone914]

Had a helper push on the clutch pedal and realized release fork is hitting the rear trans case on disengage. Like I said, I don't know my way around clutches.

I know from prior inspection there are no shims under the ball. So obviously I need to do that when I drop the trans also.

Question: is this part of my grabby problem too? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Heated up the clutch cable with a heat gun with the engine cold - pedal stays smooth. So That helps rule out the clutch cable.

The bushing for the ball pivot for the clutch fork may be shot. Cheap bushing but need to pull the trans to get to it. If you are real creative you might be able to separate the trans from the engine to replace the bushing without pulling it completely out.