Clutch Judder

[garyd]

Hi,
I run a GTi engine in what was a turbo diesel (JX) syncro van. Everything apart from the block remains as standard JX set up.

Over recent months I have started getting an increasing judder when engaging the clutch from rest. From outside it is obvious that the silencer (and hence the engine block) is being rotated under the torque loading (squashing one mounting rubber and stretching the other) and then allowed up again. This is most significant when manouevring and especially in reverse or when the engine is cold. It can be smoothed out by using a few more revs and is not noticeable when setting off in normal driving - maybe due to use of higher revs?

One suggestion that has been made is that the engine mountings may need replacing. Do JX engine mounts age? If so, how? Do they go soft and allow more movement under torque loading?

Any other ideas on what would cause judder?

[CovKid]

I'd certainly check mountings. They can actually part company and because the engine rests on them, you won't see the damage.

[California Dreamin]

And
If the bond between metal and rubber hasn't broken the usual cause for clutch judder is oil contamination on the friction plate or damaged torsional springs.

Martin