1947 Plymouth P-15 clutch question

[insaneradio]

Good evening Gentlemen.  It has been quite a while since I posted.  I have owned my P-15 for almost 30 years.  I truly enjoy the car.

 

Here is my question---actually two if I may.

 

#1   With car idling and in neutral the clutch makes a "rattling" sound.  Once I slightly depress the clutch pedal it disappears immediately.  I have replaced clutch plate, press plate, throw-out bearing and resurfaced the flywheel.  It appears to be possibly be coming from within the bell housing??

 

#2  After replacing the above mentioned items I still have clutch chatter when starting out in first gear.  I can work through it with slightly higher RPM or quicker clutch engagement.  The car shifts fine once in motion.  I might add I did replace the rear engine mounts.  I did not replace the front mount.  Could it be the front engine mount??  What should I look for??

 

Thank you for your assistance!

 

Best,

Dave

[dpollo]

The symptoms suggest that the throw out bearing is in contact with the forks on the pressure plate when idling.  Check that the external spring that goes from the outer end of the throw out lever is in place and provides enough tension to pull the bearing clear.

 

The second problem is one I have endured for over 50 years of driving these cars and while I would like to suggest a solution, I have just learned to live with the problem.  

[Don Coatney]

Several years ago I installed a freshly built throw out bearing that was made of plastic or UHMW (Ultra High Molecular  Weight) material white in color. Had the same part number as the original and I was told it was a direct replacement. Within a week the clutch developed a terrible chatter. I pulled it apart and found the "new" throw out bearing was trash. With no new spare on hand I made a device to add fresh grease to my original throw out bearing and re-installed it. It is still in there and working well after over 40,000 miles.

 

As has been mentioned make sure your clutch return spring is in place and working.

 

Home made lubrication tool.

 

I used an old king pin to drive the old bearing off and the new one on.

 

Make sure the spring clips are in place and not broken.

 

 

Below is a NOS throw out bearing that forum member Reg Evans sent me several years ago. Thanks again Reg.

[greg g]

Do you have sufficient free play at the top of the clutch pedal travel to allow for complete disengagement? If not the bearing might have some contact at rest. Enough contact to cause the pieces to rattle.

[insaneradio]

Thank you gentlemen for all your advice.  I will check as you have recommended.  I will reply with update.

[insaneradio]

Several years ago I installed a freshly built throw out bearing that was made of plastic or UHMW (Ultra High Molecular  Weight) material white in color. Had the same part number as the original and I was told it was a direct replacement. Within a week the clutch developed a terrible chatter. I pulled it apart and found the "new" throw out bearing was trash. With no new spare on hand I made a device to add fresh grease to my original throw out bearing and re-installed it. It is still in there and working well after over 40,000 miles.

 

As has been mentioned make sure your clutch return spring is in place and working.

 

Home made lubrication tool.

 

I used an old king pin to drive the old bearing off and the new one on.

 

Make sure the spring clips are in place and not broken.

 

 

Below is a NOS throw out bearing that forum member Reg Evans sent me several years ago. Thanks again Reg.

Great pictures Don!  I appreciate that very much!

[insaneradio]

I adjusted the clutch pedal free play.  I extended the adjustment by approx three turns.  Seems to have resolved the noise issue.  Quiet as a kitten!!

 

Thanks!!