mmaliga

I did a T5 conversion on a 1966 Coupe with a 289. It ran pretty well until the oil pump drive sheared from the distributor. So, I wen on and had the engine redone, and it took me about 5 years to get the engine back in.

Much to my surprise, the car came down with a bad case of clutch chatter after the new engine. Only on hill starts, but totaly unnerving. So, after a year of running, I replaced the clutch plate and flywheel. It went away for a few weeks, and then was back with a vengeance.

as far as the most likely parts:

Flywheel - changed on Flywheel Change (Stock)
Clutch Disk - changed on T5 conversion and Flywheel Change (Stock, Organic)
Throwout bearing - changed on engine rebuild (Stock replacement)
Pressure Plate - Centerforce - changed on T5 Conversion
Motor Mounts - Changed on T5 Conversion and Motor Rebuild
Transmission Mounts - changed on T5 Conversion and subsequent troubleshooting
Universal Joints - changed on T5 Conversion
Clutch Linkage - rebushed on Motor rebuild
Clutch Pedal Bearings and Springs - changed on Motor rebuild

After doing this, I am considering looking at the rear end (open, 9", 2.80 ratio). With the overdrive, 2.8 is way too high.
However, the car is hardly driveable with the clutch chatter.
A visual inspection shows no oil, Anti Freeze or Brake fluid around the Bell Housing - it is completely dry.
The throwout bearing had spun a little grease off of it. Doesn't appear to be a sealed bearing. Not sure what to say.
Not much grease in a throwout bearing anyway.

So, after all of this - I either have to continue along the rear axle (or some other) route, or go back and re do something that I have done before.

Any opinions?

ideal_mustangs

Leaking rear main seal could cause it.

mmaliga

Thanks - that is usually the first thing that people tell me.
Had the Flywheel off last month - can't see any evidence of it, nor of the front tranny seal leaking.

Throwout bearing seemed to have a grease spray coming out of it - I'm beginning to think that this is it.

Either throwout bearing or pressure plate.

I hate to tear the transmission out again, so I was checking into the rear axle situation. Pinion nut had come a bit loose.
Tightened, but this did not straighten it out.

Suspecting that the throwout bearing should be sealed, and I shouldn't be seeing any grease coming off of it.

Debating about replacing the pressure plate - it is going to have ot come out to be cleaned anyway, and I haven't had much luck with the local machine shops. I think the clutch plate replacement is a given, despite the fact that it is new.

69FECoupe

You seem to have it covered but you don't mention the pilot bushing. I seem to remember that it must be changed to the late model type when converting to a t5. Just a thought.

mmaliga

I think that you hit it.
The clutch chatter wasn't there when I first did the T5. It came when the engine got rebuilt.

Looking through the receipts, they replaced the pilot bushing with the "proper" 1966 one.

Damn!

gjz30075

While you're in there investigating the pilot bushing, check crank shaft end play. Should only be .004 - .008" Excessive end play will also cause chatter.