Cluth problems with LC 100 Diesel

Sorry heding should read CLUTCH problems

It is a common problem. My remedy is to carefully take off when the running gear is cold and when warm, it doesn't occur again until the next cold start up. Basically, I ignore it and don't let it worry me.

100 series.

Firstly: I have a 75 series Troopy that is always carrying a 'few' kilos that it shouldn't and it gets a very slight shudder when left standing for some time. (like days). When used regularly - no problem/s.

Secondly: In 1982 I purchased a brand new Datsun Bluebird Stn Wagon.

What a B A S T A R D of a machine.

I spent the next 20yrs fixing all its faults and I still have it. I now know it better than the back of my hand.

Anyway, after the first 5000kms this sucker gets a clutch shudder. Becomes real nasty, like it wants to drop the tail shaft.

165,000kms and 8 clutch kit replacements later. (yep 8 of them) I decide to rebuild the engine as I was running it on LPG.

I also decide to get the engine balanced which required a new clutch kit to be supplied for the balance job.

When I drop it off at the reconditioners for the rebuild and balance, I mention the clutch horror story to the dude booking it in and and he gets another guy out to listen to the story again which by now I can recite word perfect without taking a breath.

He immediately says " where is the flywheel"

I go and get it. He inspects it and says without a bat of an eyelid.

"you have got 'hard spots' in the flywheel face"

Yep! we all know what hard spots are don't we. So! feeling a right D I C K I ask what the hell are they.

He then tipped the flywheel on its edge so that the light shone obliquely across the polished surface and pointed out 3-4 areas that where obviously darker than the rest of the face.

What do you do about that I asked, and he stated that machining the face of the flywheel would cure it as long as their was enough 'step down' (meat, depth etc)
to take the hard spots off.

Apparently they are a surface type Phenomenon that occur for whatever reason/s.

RESULT/OUTCOME:

Never had a clutch shudder since then. Replaced that clutch 120,000kms later(worn out). Had the Flywheel re faced and it is still ticking along at 340,000Kms.

ITEMS OF INEREST:

Datsun replaced first one under their exceptional warranty of 12mths/12000Kms (people think they are hard done by these days, warranty wise) and refused to even talk about it after that. Can't say that I am bothered that they closed shop and skulked back to Japan.

Also not one of the 'mechanical geniuses' that I consulted at Nissan/Datsun (tech support) or the large number of Datsun dealer service centres or any other mechanical repair type service had a clue what it was.

No one but the good old fitter and turner/tool maker at the engine reconditioners that is.

RECOMMENDATION:

Seeing as how you are sending it back for a replacement clutch;

DEMAND that the flywheel is removed and sent to a machining shop for the the face to be machined off. Don't let them put you off even if you have pay for it yourself.

Under no circumstance let them send it to a brake place for machining.

In the overall cost of the exercise it is peanuts.

If you would like any further details you can contact me on

krobbo@optusnet.com.au

Regards

Ken Robinson

Hi Guy's
I have had at least eight 80 Series LC's, and I think I'm driving my fifth 100 Series Cruiser at the moment. All leased work vehicles that we keep for one year or 50,000k's.
From my experience, some do it and some don't. We have sent them back to Toyota for clutch replacements and they come back with the same shudder as they had before. It usually gets better as they warm up, but it can be a horrible feeling taking off when the clutch is cold.
This is not only a Toyota problem, I've also had it with a Feroza, but to a lesser degree.
In the past, I thought that it was common for a vehicle fitted with a "Heavy Duty Clutch" to have this problem, because of the larger springs in the plate, and the higher clamping pressures. If you have ever driven a car with a "SOLID" Centre clutch, you would know what I mean. (It's either on or off, there's no slipping)
Another reason as said in the previous post, is that the flywheel and, or pressure plate could have spots that are "Work Hardened" or "Glazed" by a combination of heat and metal composition. This is also a fairly common problem with Disc and Drum brakes. Ever had shuddering brakes.....I have. Bead blasting the flywheel is a quick fix, but machining or replacement is a better permanent option.
Also, if oil is finding it's way into the clutch or onto the flywheel, it could cause a similar problem, usually if the rear main seal, or even the gearbox front seal is leaking.
Hope this helps

Chaz
http://members.bettanet.net.au/~conody/index.htm

100 series

Take no notice of Roachie.

The blood is still rushing to his head after making the cover of 4WD monthly.

You can determine which head I am talking about, however I am guessing its going to take at least a year before the blood pressure comes down and he talks sense again. LMAO.

It also may have been a hot day on the peninsula today and given him a conniption, causing verbal crapola re Nissans.

Who knows as he is normally very FAIR and JUST in his comparisons between the Royalty of 4WD's (Toyotas) and those from the dark side (Nissans). (That will keep the blood pressure up for sure).

Look at Moi! , look at Moi! 100 series.

Now repeat after me.

I will have the Toyota man at least look at the flywheel aspect when he replaces the clutch and discuss with me the pros & cons of hard spots on the flywheel.

This may be the answer to it NOT COMMING BACK.

Have a good one and the best of British luck to you.

Regards

Ken Robinson.

My Diesel 100 series Cruiser shudders too! Crap gear change as well.

I have to agree with Roachie - gimme a Nissan driveline BUT with a Toyota 100 series diesel motor.

I currently own both a GQ Nissan and a Toyota LC.

The Nissan clutch shudders a bit - but it's done 245,000 kms & it's had hell knocked out of it offroad. The Cruiser has done 85,000 kms and has only ever seen dirt when it took the rubbish trailer to the local rubbish tip. It made it back though ;)

Bilbo