54 Hudson Jet clutch Questions

[Callan]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and i just started working on my dad's old 1954 hudson super jet. I just got it running smoothly after dealing with a couple of stuck valves but i am having problems with the clutch.

When taking off the clutch is smooth, then right before you let the clutch out fully the car shakes and then becomes smooth again. I'm not sure if i have a weak pressure plate or not. I have not yet torn into the transmission and i am wondering if anyone can give me any information on this clutch setup. I have heard from serveral people that there was a wet clutch used in these years of hudson's. Does anyone have any information on what is actually in there and how it works? As well is there anywhere where i would be able to order a new clutch?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Andrew

[half baked]

jets had dry clutches. check that your pressure plate and flywheel are flat.

[dynolou]

If that car has been sitting for a long time, you may have rust on flywheel and pressure plate surfaces. that could cause clutch chatter on release. So to cure, resurface flywheel and replace clutch. You may also want to check all motor and transmission mounts to be sure they are ok and not broken or collapsed. Call K-Gap at 760 868 2284 or www.k-gap.com. As for there may be a rebuilder in your area, Friction Services in the Seattle area, check the yellow pages. hudsonly Lou Cote

[dwardo99]

I have an NOS clutch plate and pressure plate I would sell, but no throwout bearing.

[Geoff C., N.Z.]

There are several things to check before you tear things down. Engine mounts, check that the two front mounts are sound, and that the top and bottom plates are firmly attached to the centre rubber. Check that the rear engine mount is in good order, it's not unusual to find these in a bad way. Check the rear axle U-bolts, that the nuts are tight. If the problem persist, it could be an oily clutch surface. This is far more likely to be the cause. You can inspect this by removing the bottom dust cover and wedgint the pedal down and revolving the clutch disc manually. If it is oily, you can clean it by using a spray on de-greasing agent like Brakleen. Turn it round several times, spraying liberally over the flywheel, pressure plate and clutch disc surfaces. The Jet has a conventional Borg and Beck dry clutch. If there was rust on the surfaces this would buzz off in the first few engagements, but would more than likely have stuck the disc to the flywheel or pressure plate, and this is obviously not the problem. I had an identical problem with my Jet, and it was a slightly oily surface. Cleaning it cured it. Good luck,
Geoff.