QuestionMy 81 SC with 92k miles has recently started having problems...feels kind of jerky in 2nd gear between about 2k and 3k RPM, then power comes on above 3k like someone released the handbrake. Acceleration seems off and it feels less powerful. Yet the engine idles smooth, starts fine (though always a bit more difficult to start when ambient temps are higher). Meanwhile, the clutch has had issues with shuddering on launch, esp. with RPMs around 1500. The latter condition has been the same since I bought it in Oct 2004. So, I suspect the clutch may be due (or past due) for replacement, but couldn't be sure if this is a clutch issue or not. Would it be possible to experience similar problems with valve gear being out of adjustment (I'm also hearing what I would describe as a tapping noise, but generally only at idle)? What symptoms would I expect to have with fouled plugs? Other electrical issues?
Thanks in advance for your input!
AnswerHi Jeff,
Like you, I'm leaning toward the clutch as your source of problems, especially since you've got both shuddering and now this new problem. I wish, however, you had described the 'releasing the handbrake" differently. I like your analogy but usually people talk about this as "the clutch is slipping before it catches". Is that what you're feeling?
Sometimes to get up a steep hill from a start you have to get the revs up higher and "slip" the clutch, otherwise it'll bog down. That slipping is a good thing... your handbrake release slipping is a bad thing. And...if its possible your clutch is the original, it sounds like a great time to sock away some money for a clutch job.
Sure...there could be some other explanations, but this seems so obvious...if we are talking about the same thing.
Dave
