With less than 300 miles on a fresh build, my clutch started slipping (early Olds w/T-85). It worked just fine the first 200-300 miles and then started slipping. No smell of burning. When pulled both inspection plates I found a build-up of what appears to be "graphite". Now I don't know what material clutches are made of today....graphite would not be my choice as it is a "lubricant". Does anyone have an idea what this is....it has to be from the clutch...HELP.
What clutch did you use behind the Olds? FWIW Ram Clutch makes a replacement clutch for the early Olds. I just installed one.
Looks like metal to metal contact somewhere. Cast iron dust or sinter material. Seems to be too early for a clutch failure so maybe a clearance issue elsewhere in the release mechanism. Does it stick to a magnet? Looks like it has to come out in any case
Look like metal dust . clutch fingers disintegrating, throw out bearing , or pilot bushing disintegrating would be my first guesses without pulling it apart . clutch material is usually “ hairy “ with clutch fibres . either way your pulling it apart to look closer . how much grease did you put on the input shaft ? Trans input seal leaking onto the clutch causing contamination?
What type of clutch is it? If it's a Long style with counter-weights they could be rubbing on the aluminum adapter.
Good question...I checked....it doesn't. Pretty sure it's graphite. I found out they DO use it in clutches. Either way, I'll find out when I tear it apart.
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