Resolved Aftermarket ACT clutch problems.

[wannagofaster]

I have 2 eclipses. an '95 gst an a '96 gst. The '95 has a stock clutch and it runs nice and smooth. On the '96 I put an ACT clutch and it slips like crazy. I'm kind of new at the DIY stuff, I've had a couple friends check it out and they're thinking it's just b/c it's an after market clutch. It's just crazy, it's like the clutch doesn't disengage sometimes and doesn't like to go into first gear or reverse.

 

[romeen]

Is it adjusted properly? Any oil leaks from the area between your oil pan and bell housing cover?

 

[Eclipse98_RS]

I have an aftermarket clutch (ACT 2100) and have never had the problems you are describing. Maybe get it checked out by a shop?

 

[Eastwood95]

It wouldn't slip just because it's an aftermarket clutch. That's exactly the reason you upgrade the stocker to an ACT, to get rid of the slip. If it was installed improperly, then symptoms you are describing are likely.

 

[magnet8289]

Is the clutch compatible with the flywheel? I know there is a specific term for this but I can't remember it at the moment. When I bought my clutch/flywheel combo, even though they claimed to be a matching pair, I ignored numerous suggestions to double check. After putting everything in and getting the tranny bolted back on, I had to tear it back apart and get the flywheel grinded because they in fact were not made to match right out of the box.

 

[romeen]

Is the clutch compatible with the flywheel? I know there is a specific term for this but I can't remember it at the moment. When I bought my clutch/flywheel combo, even though they claimed to be a matching pair, I ignored numerous suggestions to double check. After putting everything in and getting the tranny bolted back on, I had to tear it back apart and get the flywheel grinded because they in fact were not made to match right out of the box.

Good point. You're referring to the step height. Recommended is .610". If the the friction surface of the flywheel was not resurfaced along with the correct step height then that will cause problems. Specifically, if the step height is too large (greater than .612") that may cause the clutch to slip.

To the op, the reason I asked if you had any oil leaks is that a leaking rear main seal can allow oil to get onto the clutch causing it to slip.

 

[magnet8289]

Yes, thank you, that is what I was referring to but for the life of me I couldn't think of the proper name. When I had put my combo in without checking it, my flywheel was rubbing badly up against my starter and I had to end up getting a new one. Yours doesn't seem this bad, but you might want to check it and quick before you end up breaking something. I just had my machine shop grind my flywheel for me for free (gotta love those connections) and it fixed the problem immediately. No slippage, no weird noises, and my break-in went really smooth.

 

[twicks69]

First off, did you resurface the flywheel prior to installation of the new clutch? How many miles do you currently have on the clutch? Have you adjusted your clutch pedal/master cylinder since installation? What specific clutch did you install? Have you replaced the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder lately? Have you checked the fluid reservoir for the clutch master cylinder? Have you bled your clutch slave cylinder?


A couple things to consider are:

The pressure plate should have been torqued to: ~24lb/in^2 If it wasn't torqued up to this amount (if you did it less or didn't torque it at all), it could lead to clutch slippage from the pressure plate not getting complete positive engagement with the clutch disk, and instead you are glazing the crap out of the disk.


The slave cylinder could be leaking, causing disengagement issues. Inspect it for leakage, check to make sure that the bleeder valve is closed tightly and the little rubber dust cap is on (use a 8 mm wrench or 8mm 6-point deep socket)

The hydraulic line coming from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder could be crap. (It is worth replacing that crappy FCU (fluid collection unit) reservoir anyways and replacing it with a stainless steel line -- WAY better clutch disengagement qualities!) Here is an old link describing the task of replacement http://ca.dsm.org/FAQ/2g-clutch-fcu.html along with this RRE one showing the removal of the clutch slave cylinder restrictor removal and stainless steel clutch line installation: http://www.roadraceengineering.com/instructions/2gclutchlineinstructions.htm

The clutch pedal/master cylinder needs adjustment (MORE THAN LIKELY). This is what could be causing your disengagement problems and shifting into 1st/reverse. Here is a link to RRE's clutch adjustment page along with the picture below: http://www.roadraceengineering.com/clutchandflywheeltech.htm Towards the bottom of the page, it tells you how to adjust your clutch pedal. This link also answers many questions that you may have regarding flywheel step height, clutch hydraulics, flywheels, slave cylinder stuff.

Here is a good 2G clutch install link which also describes clutch adjustment and proper installation of a clutch in a 2G AWD: http://www.vfaq.com/mods/clutch-2G.html


I hope that some of this information will help fix your problem.

Good luck,

 

[wannagofaster]

Hey all, thanks for the suggestions. I found the problem and I feel a bit stupid.

Two nights ago the whole tranny quit and I couldn't put it in any gear. When I got it back home I started looking around and the tranny had vibrated loose from the engine. I bolted the thing back up and it runs like a dream now.

I think the guy who put it in didn't tighten it enough. Who knows.