1st gear shuddering

[Gary101386]

Having an issue that i do not understand.

When im in first gear and go to take off the truck shudders and shakes like crazy. Second gear through 5th are all okay after that.

If i do a 2nd gear start no shaking or shuddering.

Reverse has no shaking or shuddering either.

Also, after my check engine light comes on(which it usually is on) then first gear is fine and doesnt shake or shudder...

I am lost...

 

[AgPete139]

You could have a warped flywheel. No joke.

My truck did the same thing, though really only in first.

How old is your clutch? How many miles? You've got a 1989 what?

You can either get a new flywheel, or have the surface remachined / skim cut. If you're savvy, do it yourself. If it sounds daunting, take it to someone else.

While the transmission if off, if the clutch / throughout + pilot bearing / pressure plate is all old, I'd take this time to replace it. You'll love the difference.

If the clutch is relatively new, you can reuse it of course.

Caution: don't take too much off of the flywheel if you choose the turndown cut method. Too much and the parts won't engage anymore.

 

[Gary101386]

the clutch is relatively new (less than 3 years old with not many miles), the flywheel wasnt turned, and the pressure plate wasnt replaced.

i bought this truck from my boss so i know the vehicle history.

Its an 89 Ranger STX Twin Stick with 2.9V6

 

[AgPete139]

The chattering is still likely from the flywheel being warped. It comes from riding the clutch, lots of stop-go traffic or hard acceleration on a cold transmission, or I've heard that improper UP/down-shifting could cause it, too. Personally, I don't believe the last statement, and I'm not calling you a bad driver. Sometimes, after years of abuse, the flywheels just get warped, like your brake rotors do.

You could reuse the old clutch equipment. I've always replaced the clutch & PP as a set. The fingers of the plate get tired, too.

 

[Gary101386]

This makes sence. I have tought many people how to drive stick in this truck. My boss did the same. Both his kids learned in this truck and drove it in highschool... makes very much sence...

 

[Gary101386]

One thing I forgot to mention is after my check engine light comes on all shuddering stops in any gear...

 

[AgPete139]

If thats the case, it could even be a fuel delivery issue.

Have you pulled the Check Engine code?

 

[Gary101386]

i replaced the fuel pump and filter last september. i have not pulled the code. i do have the reader but i do not know how to use it.

with OBDI does it keep a memory or does the check engine light have to be on to read it?

 

[AgPete139]

It depends. Did you say you have a code now? We're not mind readers over here.

 

[Gary101386]

typically the code is clear when i start it, then after i drive it for awhile it comes on...

so no, no code is present upon most startups...

 

[AgPete139]

Find out what the code is next time it comes on. Still likely to be the flywheel, in any case. Check Engine could come on if the truck wants to shudder and almost die though. But that's part of any startup / Key On procedure.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Another possibility is fluid on the clutch plate, either engine oil or clutch fluid.
Just throwing that out there for people searching.

Richard

 

[Gary101386]

yeah, that is my fear, my truck does leak oil... thats probably it...