Hi guys. total newb here, long time listener, first time caller. . .haha

History: 93 civic VX hatchback. 337000 miles. Ive owned it since 110k. at 230k the car began to shudder like crazy when taking off in 1st and in 2nd, resurfaced the flywheel and had a new clutch installed. it still shuddered in 1st and 2nd, but not consistently or as intensely, i chose to ignore it, figured the guy didn't do a great job.

recently the clutch started slipping in addition to its inconsistent chattering.

took it in. and they convinced me to do the works. new clutch, pressure plate, flywheel and release bearing (in addition to some new seals and gaskets). I figured it was time, and I was lookin forward to no chatter at all. . . . (pls someone pick up on the foreshadowing )

got the car back and it shuddered even worse, in 1st 2nd and reverse, every time unless the engine is cold--like the car is going to fall apart, taking off and downshifting (altho 2nd is really the only gear i would be downshifting into). took it back and they agreed something is wrong, said that I had a flat spot on the crankshaft, and that was throwing everything off, which is why its still chattering. and short of a new crankshaft or engine there's nothing I can do about it. . . .

so did I get hosed? or is that a legitimate diagnosis? is there anything else that it could be? is it gonna cause more problems? and is there anything that can be done short of lots of money. . . .?


thanks guys.

 

The main reasons for a clutch to chatter are oil on the friction surface or broken springs in the disk. Both of those can happen quickly to a new clutch if the original problem (oil leak or improper driving) remains. Never heard of the "flat spot on the crankshaft" theory.

Are you sure that it isn't the engine misfiring? Get the car going about 40 mph and shift into 5th (ordinarily you shouldn't do that, but this is a stress test), let clutch pedal all the way out and floor the gas. Since the gear is too high, the car won't accelerate much, but it should not shake or stumble.

 

Do you feel differing engine operation/vibration with clutch in or out: gear in or out?

Have your mechanic checked transmission oil/plug for FOD?

It seems like you have been had, smoked, hosed whatever by the mechanic if you ask me,,,

Don't tell me they have years and years of experience working on cars,,,,,,,please.

 

The chatter was there the first time I picked up the car from the shop after they 'fixed' it. they also replaced the rear main oil seal. so Im assuming theres now no oil leak. Id like to think that I dont drive like a crazy person, since the car has lasted so long already. took the car up to 40mph and shifted into 5th and floored it, it was just like a normal shift, no shuddering, altho the rpm's were low

"Do you feel differing engine operation/vibration with clutch in or out: gear in or out?"
no, it feels the same. . . .

and yes, they've years of experience. anyone know of an honest mechanic in Asheville nc?

 

Sorry to hear that, although, I was kinda expecting it. It's hard to mess up clutch installation even with no prior experience doing the job if you have basic mechanical aptitude and are following the book. I had no problem myself when I did it for the first time.

So, I am guessing the problem is in the transmission at this point. At the same time, considering milege on the engine, it may be better to change out it with engine with lesser milege. Maybe that is where your machanic is coming from, saying that,,,.

 

Not to hijack your thread. But my 04 civic also shutters when letting out the cluch in first gear. My car only does it when its cold. Once i drive around a bit, its fine.

My friend who is a mechanic, says its my fly-wheel. His dad said something about resurfacing it, but he blew that off by saying "nahhh it needs a new one", do it rite or some **** like that.

But it sounds like, a new flywheel didnt work for you.
Id hate to pay my friend to fix mine, and then still have it shutter when i take off in first.

All opinions are welcome, please.

 

It sounds like you have glazing on flywheel. Depends on how many miles you have already, how long you are going to keep the car and what you are going to do with engine may be the factor for deciding what you will do with the clutch you have now.

 

Its an 04 with 120,000 miles. Its in great shape though. I bought it from a honda mechanic (he went to school and worked for a honda dealership). I trust the guy, and i believe he took really good care of the car.

At 105,000 he did a full tune up. He replaced master cylinder. And some other stuff i cant remember.

The day i bought the car, on the way home the check engine light had come on. He already had my money. He still showed up the next day with an o2 censor directly from honda. 400$ part, he got for 200 bc he works there.

Anyway point is, I hope this car runs for 200,000 + miles. I owe about 5500 on it. At the same time, money is a little tight. Im not looking to ever race the car or any**** like that. Its mad slow. Not vtec or anything like that. Its a 5-speed, but its still slow. When i have a pasenger in the car, its super super slow. I wish it was quicker, for passing people on the highway, but for rite now i dont have money for upgrades just to make it faster. Maybe oneday, but never anything crazy, the engine isnt worth it.

That being said about the car, now whats your opinion about my clutch and glazed flywheel?

 

I would get OE type clutch replacement kit and check to see what condition the fly wheel is in; flat surface or grooved surface, glazed surface or overheated surface. Have your mechanic friend check it and get his advice, treat the flywheel accordingly.

 

good luck get-money, I hope it lasts as long as mine has.

hijacking back. . . . .
What is also interesting, is if you drive it hard (higher rpm's), it seems to not shudder when engaging gears as well. . . . .