The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Rough Clutch

I drove my 1960 truck (235, 3 on tree)today for the first time (except for once around the block the day I first started the engine) Although I don't have it registered or inspected, I took the chance and drove it a couple of blocks to a muffler shop to have an exhaust system installed.
I noticed the clutch engagement is a little rough. A new clutch and pressure plate were installed at the time the engine was rebuilt by the previous owner.I am aware that a little grease or oil on the clutch plate can cause some roughness. About three years ago, aftermarket clutch components were installed in a Ford Explorer I owned at the time.They were totally unsatisfactory. When replaced with genuine Ford parts the cluth was smooth as silk.
I remember the old indian trick to remove grease was to set the emergency brake, place the transmission it in third gesr and "burn" the clutch for a minute or so to remove the grease.
My question is with regard to Bolt Members experience with the clutch plates and pressure plates avaiable now for these vehicles. Can they be expected to be as smooth as with factory replacements?
meansam

Did you have your flywheel inspected or resurfaced? As for burning the clutch I would not trust my e-brake, I would put the truck against a tree - a big tree!

Tree.

Just chain to a semi and see how far you can tow it.

you might make sure the new exhaust isn't causing problems w/ the clutch rod, i had that in my 63. the clutch would pop when i let out and i had a lot for free play than before. it had gotten bent over when i had a heavy load on and was backing up. moved it over and it was fine. if that's not it you might take your pan off the bottom and look for oil. hr

Just trying to take off in second or third will help "seat" the clutch parts together. If you over do it, you'll end up with hot spots that will require machining to repair,
Scott