VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Pressure Plate: Good/Bad??..

How do I tell if my '29 coach's pressure plate is bad and needs rebuilding? The car is low miles (approx. 21K) and was well taken care of. I can push the collar (thingie that has tabs on
one end and fits into the plate & the other end rides against
the throwout bearing)and with some degree of force I can collapse
the springs in the plate. Before I tore the tranny/clutch out
I always thought the clutching action while driving the car was
very light and thinking that it maybe was to light?!?! The clutch/PSI plate seemed to work good enough with just a little shuddering sometimes when taking off. Any thoughts, wisdom or advice is greatly appreciated, Bob :confused:

If the clutch doesn't slip when accelerating or when driving the car up a hill, you have a good clutch. There is nothing to be concerned about. Everyone wishes their clutch pedal was easy to push-in as it saves on wear and tear on the knee. Is the throwout bearing the original with the graphite bearing surface?

barry22.

Yes, it is the original graphite bearing with hardly any wear.
I've already decided to replace the pressure plate. I got a
super deal on one by a fellow VCCA chat member. In all honesty
I think my original PSI plate is O'Kay like you say. But I don't
plan on dropping out my transmission very much if I can help it.
So I'm going to put the rebuilt plate in. Thanks for the message.

Bob :vcca:

Smart move Captain.

I would have the flywheel surface ground and replace clutch plate as well if replacing pressure plate.
Tony

Hi, my 29 pressure plate is cracked, i am wondering the following
1) Can I have it welded and balanced
2) What other years fit a 29 chev coach six
3) Whom would have a replacement


Stan

Don't think you would be satisfied with welding. Takes an expert with proper equipment and experience and deep pockets.

late 29-31 pressure plates are the same. Early 29 is by itself.

I suggest a wanted ad on this site, and other VCCA and hobby publications. Also contact Bruce Bugay or Don Rossi. Bruce frequents ChatII so will see you wanted listing.

Just a note -- if you can't find a good pressure plate to replace it. If the cracks are only on the face of the pressure plate, there may be a solution. Usually, the cracking on the friction surface of the pressure plate or flywheel is from overheating due to sustained clutch slippage, but it only goes to a very shallow depth. If you disassemble the pressure plate, you can surface grind it to remove the cracks, remembering to remove enough from the flywheel mating surface to keep the spring pressure the same. Any good automotive machine shop should be able to deal with it. Not the preferred solution, but it does work.

All the Best, Chip

Thanks for the replies,
I hope I am using the right words (pressure plate)
the flywheel is perfect, the clutch was still usable
it is the part that bolts on, one side is completely cracked off, the part with the slide fingers?

Does this make since to you? As in Pressure plate

The pressure plate is the large cast iron machined plate that engages the clutch disc. The pressure plate is bolted to a cast iron clutch cover and the pressure plate rides on coil springs. This entire assembly is bolted to the flywheel.

The part that the "fingers" (levers) engage is called the "clutch throw-out bearing sleeve". Check out your shop manual...there is an illustration of the complete clutch assembly.

Oh yes, then with the proper word I need
to weld or replace 'cast iron clutch cover' is that doable?

Yes, replacing the clutch cover would be an excellent solution.

If I can't find one , can i have it welded?
what years where they good in, where would I start to look for one?

Reread the postings above.....your first two questions were already answered.

Check with Gary Wallace.....he may have a clutch cover.