Sounds very similar to the symptoms I had before replacing my clutch due
to oil contamination. Check for signs of oil at bottom of bellhousing/engine
joint, and around starter. In my case, I assumed a rear main seal leak, but
after another trip, my leak continues, so it appears the leak is from the
trans input shaft seal. If you do find a leak, check for both of these
sources. If the shuddering isn't too bad, and clutch is not slipping, you
would probably be ok on the trip, but I wouldnt' chance it. I drove mine for
about 20k kms before the shuddering became quite bad, but it still didn't
slip. I think once you notice shuddering, the clutch disc is already too far
gone with oil contamination, they're about $60 US...

On 5 Nov 2003 at 18:09, Owen <olists@THEBRANDS.ORG> wrote:

> I have noticed that when I am taking off in 1st gear if I don't give it enough
> gas I experience a shuttering effect. Is the simple answer give it more gas or
> is this a warning sign that the clutch is going? I've noticed no change in where
> the clutch starts to engage. It is fairly early in the release of the clutch
> petal.
>
> I am scrutinizing what might hang me out to dry as I consider a trip to
> Guatemala before the new year. I am definitely going to check / replace brakes
> and repack wheel bearings.
>
> Fuel lines are new in August
> Coolant is fresh and the hoses all look good.
> grounds were cleaned up when I had the engine out in August / September.
> vacuum lines new in August.
> All of the funky welded coolant pipes and stripped exhaust threads are repaired
> and replaced.
>
> I am guessing the drive to be about 20 hours total. I will probably "stage" the
> van in Brownsville (Where my father lives) to reduce our driving time to about
> 14 hours or so.
>
> Owen
> 84 Westy "Greta"
> Sugar Land Texas
>

--
Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
'88 Westy 375k
'85 Jetta D 263k
'85 Jetta TD 482k (retired)
~This message sent by Pegasus Mail, the safe E-Mail alternative~
"Friends don't let friends use Outlook"