Adrian,
You have identified both of the things I would expect. Bad U-Joint
and chattering clutch.
If you remove the drive shaft by disconnecting the diff attachment
plate you can get at the front joint by removing the drive shaft
(note on the later Spridgets, like the 1500, there is an access to
that joint in the floor pan). Removing the driveshaft with out that
access creates a new problem, how to get it back in, but that has
been solved many times. in many ways. Since, I have never done it, i
will let those that have explain.
If it is a chattering clutch the only solution is pull engine and
tranny to swap the clutch. Unfortunately, from your description, my
guess this is the issue.
Now why either of those would cause the car to stall if you try to
take off too fast, I have no idea. That sounds more like a fuel/
ignition problem. But it could be that the clutch is slipping then
suddenly grabbing and you are not giving it enough gas. Again, just a
guess.
Larry
On Jul 4, 2006, at 7:20 AM, Adrian Jones wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> Happy Independence Day/ Good Riddance Day, depending if you live in
> US or UK.
> Main thing is we have the day off here in the US.
>
> Here's a problem I may have to take to a shop, unless someone can
> help me out.
> It happens taking off in 1st gear or reverse - the car judders and
> there is a single clunk from somewhere under the gearbox.
> Here's a clue - I can prevent the judder by taking off slowly -
> giving it absolutely no gas until I'm moving. In fact, if I try to
> take off too rapidly the car stalls out.
> According to Haynes, another reason could be oil on the clutch
> plate - any way I can check this?. (Engine and gearbox mounts are
> relatively new - 5 or 6 years old. Back U-joint is solid enough -
> can't get at the front one))
>
> Is there any investigating I can do or should I just take it in.
>
> Regards, Adrian
>
>
--
Larry B. Macy, Ph.D.
macy@bbl.med.upenn.edu
System Administrator/Manager
Neuropsychiatry Section
Department of Psychiatry
University of Pennsylvania
3400 Spruce St. - 1015 Gates
Philadelphia, PA 19104
"I think the problem, to be quite honest with you, is that you've
never actually known what the question is." - Douglas Adams
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