Chatter will eventually translate into slippage. I had a main seal leak that
caused my vans chatter. Eventually slippage began. It only had about 10,000
miles on it when when it started. Over time the heating cause by the slippage
damages the springs in the clutch plate. In my case I opted for a complete new
clutch -- pressure plate, disk, new seal, and I had the flywheel refaced. This
latter is a must do if you replace the clutch plate.

Good luck.

John Rodgers

patrick paul clerkin wrote:

> Hello All,
>         My '86 GL has developed a little clutch chatter (only when the
> engine is cold.)  I recently purchased the premium LUK clutch kit from Bus
> Depot along with the front main seal because I was fearful that I would
> need a new clutch very soon.  However the clutch has been doing this for
> about 2 months and it really hasn't gotten any worse.  I am currently
> living in the Bay area, but my permanent residence is in Illinois where I
> will return in 3 months.  My dilemna is that I do not have the tools or
> the workspace to do the job here, and I was considering holding off
> replacing the clutch and main seal until I arrive back in Illinois.
> However, the van will have to drive about 2,200 miles to get me home.  My
> question is:  Does anyone have an opinoin on whether or not it is
> necessary to replace the clutch before the journey?
>
> Thanks,
> Patrick