About 25 years ago when I first put my 352 in my '53, I had a problem with excessive clutch chatter. I mean it would shake the truck as I released the clutch. Back when I was driving it, I was able to "deal" with it as I could not figure out what was causing it. I changed clutches and also the fly wheel to no avail. I remember I was reading somewhere that this could be caused by the engine being out of alignment. I did check the alignment of the engine with a tape measure from the front of the frame back to the engine mount cross member and found that it was off a bit (this was a while ago so I don't really remember by how much). This was when the truck was already "in retirement" and I would fix it when I brought it back to life.

What is the best way to ensure that the engine is properly aligned? Is it simply taking measurements from the front of the frame, or is there an "official" way of doing this? As I recall when I did it the first time I basically "eye-balled" it for straightness. I guess as a young punk, my eyes weren't that good

Thanks!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 02-Apr-02 AT 12:21 PM (EST)]When you replaced the flywheel, did you install new or used?

These old trucks (with the FE) seem to be prone to clutch chatter over time.

I had the same situation back in the 1960s with my first F100, a 1972 360. I found, through the old-timer machinists, that the Ford flywheels available back then were prone to develop excessive 'hair-line' cracks (don't know if that's the case with the flywheels offered today). I was told by several machinists that this would cause clutch chatter. I understand that some cracking is normal, due to the high tempes caused by the friction experienced through multiple gear changes (remember, these were used daily as work trucks).

All the machinists recommended installing a new flywheel plus new pressure plate and clutch disk (new throw-out bearing too, just because you're in there).

When I pulled my clutch and flywheel, sure enough, the flywheel had cracks all over it. I replaced everything, as recommended, and the chatter went away.

FWIW, I've done this two or three times since then, and it worked for me every time.

I suggest that you take the flywheel and clutch to a good machinist for an opinion.

OldFords Bad attitudes

 

When I replaced the fly wheel it was with a new one. New clutch and pressure plate too. (although this was about 25 years ago). I'll give it a closer inspection when I have the engine out as I'll probably have it turned.

Thanks!

 

I just had a similar clutch problem at low RPM's.
Full new clutch, TB, etc...
Chatter appears to be due to a loose motor mount top nut. When I took a picture of the mount, I could see a gap between the top nut.
The bushings are shot, blown, trashed. After taking out as much play in the mount as I could the chatter is almost gone. New mounts are on the way.
A 390 coupled to a T98 with a yet to be identified aluminum bell housing. So alignment is/was also a suspect.