Todd Last wrote:

> My van started doing this shortly after I had the clutch replaced. Its been
> doing this for, oh, I hate to say, but for at least 20,000 miles. During that
> time I've noticed what appears to be a small leak from the transmission - so I
> suspect that one of the seals (engine or transmission) is leaking and throwing
> oil on the clutch.
>
> Or it could be the alleged bad run of Sachs clutches from Mexico. I saw that
> mentioned a few years ago - but not recently.
>
> I suppose it could be broken motor or transmission mounts - anyone know how to
> check these?

If you have a "small leak" ten to one it is the flywheel "O"ring seal leaking, and
yes the oil will get on the flywheel face and the clutch disc face and cause
shuddering and eventually slippage. No way to fix it except to pull the tranny.
It's an inexpensice part but a pain to change because the tranny must come out. If
you must go to that kind of trouble, re-face the flywheel, replace the main oil
seal (it has a spring in it) install a new clutch plate, replace the pilot
bearing, and consider replacing the pressure plate. A slipping clutch causes the
springs to get hot and they lose their temper and there fore their strength.

Good luck.

BTDT!!

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver