Clutch chatter

I recently yanked a 1940 Ford from a 60 year slumber and got it running well. However, the vehicle exhibits severe clutch chatter and loud racket in first gear just as the clutch begins to engage as it cha-chas forward from a stop. It stops when the clutch is fully engaged and does not exhibit this behavior in 2nd and 3rd gears. I'm thinking that the clutch may have become saturated with oil or grease during storage which may contribute to this condition. If that is the case, shouldn't I experience the same symptoms in all gears and will it get better with use or do I have to replace the clutch? ***uming that is not the case, outside of flywheel scoring, clutch lining damage, pressure plate warping or damage, what should I be looking for to fix this?
Note: the motor mounts are good and the transmission sounds quiet in all gears.

Any thoughts?

 

I have the same issue with a 1941 Lincoln. Is your Ford fitted with anti-chatter rods that go from the transmission back to the frame? These are adjustable and will eliminate the severe chatter you are experiencing. A HAMBer with more accurate info will likely post to your thread shortly.

 

Never heard of "anti-chatter rods". Kinda feelin a tug on my pantleg here...

 

Yes,,anti chatter rods are a must. Your correct in thinking a bad clutch would show up on 2-3 shift also. Probably not an oil on disc issue. Check for the rods and that they are tight. Also I have seen them mounted at the block but broken out at the frame end.
The Wizzard

 

I have been having the same problems. I just put a Top Loader behind a 283 in my 32 sedan. Everything I have read says that the Chatter Rods were not all the effective. I did read on one site where a guy suggested squirting white vinegar on the clutch. Has anyone ever heard that?

 

First check on the anti-chatter rods.

Regarding the chatter in first but not second or third. I had a clutch plate in an AV-8 that chattered when going from a stop but not between gears. I changed clutch plate and the problem is gone.

Neal

 

For a guy that has some flathead cars listed on his profile AND you NEVER heard Of the "chatter rods"???? Nobody is pulling your leg..Are you pulling ours???

 

I've got a 40 deluxe that I just pulled out of a shed after a 50 year sleep.46371 miles,clutch did the same thing. I drove it for a few miles,when noise didn't go away,pulled floor,inspection plate and sprayed 2 cans brake clean in while running and washed the clutch disc off. It helped until the rear seal started leaking,getting more oil on clutch! So now that's this springs project,re seal engine and all should be good.

 

Don't think it's the anti chatter rods, more than likely you are experiencing throw out bearing retainer cotter pin failure. Check to make sure the pin is bent all the way back, that will relieve tension on the chatter rods.............