I recently changed the clutch, pressure plate, release bearing, tranny mount and clutch cable on my 87 740gle wagon. When I accelerate the car jerks ubruptly and the rpms on the tachometer jump around. This happens througout the powerband, in any gear, randomly. Any thoughts on what can be causing this problem? Vacuum hoses, airflow sensor, something mechanical? thanks.[&o]

 

Did it do this before you changed the clutch components?

 

No, this is a new symptom. It's pretty unpredictable. The rpms fluctuate up, down, and then return to normal. I'm thinking the clutch cable may need an adjustment. I'm not sure, it's really mysterious. Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

 

Ok, so we know this happened after you replaced clutch. Is the clutch acting like its slipping or is it fully engaged and the engine is just running erratically? If the clutch is slipping it's very noticeable. When mine started to go out, the engine would start to slowly rev while I was accelerating through the gears, like it would rev faster then I was accelerating if that makes any sense. Is this what yours is doing or is the engine running rough and the clutch is not slipping? I'm just trying to help you narrow it down to the exact cause because hopefully it has nothing to do with your clutch replacement, (that would really suck if you have to remove that tranny again!!!) and everything to do with a vacuum line or connector left off after you installed everything. The more detailed youcan get with your problem, the quicker I'm sure one of us can help you fix it!!
Oh yeah, and the clutch should start to engage about 2 inches off the floor and you should be able to press down on the clutch about an inch before you start to feel resistance if that helps any.

Dale

 

Did you remove the Flywheel?

 

Thanks for the responses everyone. Sorry for being a little vague. The idea of leaving a hose or something else disconnected is a possibility, I will inspect for anything that looks "loose". I did not remove the flywheel on the clutch job. Actually the clutch feels fine. It seems to grip correctly and there is no slip. I am examining the ignition system, someone mentioned to me that there may be an issue with the distributor or possibly the Intake Air Control Valve. I notice the jerk and rpm problem more when I hit bumps. It doesn't happen in 1st gear, but every gear after that. I'm hoping I don't have to replace the distributor because it's expensive, and may not be the source of the problem. It seems like the clutch and transmission are not the problem either, I'm a little stumped narrowing this problem down. Thanks again for your advice, I'm sure (with your help) i will eventualluy get to the bottom of it.

 

Well that's good that it isn't the clutch, that wouldn't be good.....

Try pulling the codes and see what the computer is sensing. That's where I would start.

 

I aksed about the flywheel because if it is a speed sensor car then if you put it on wrong that would make it run like that.

Does your car have a speed sensor or a pickup in the dist?

 

Hi everyone. I found out that the distributor was the problem. There is a "hold switch" in it that is broken. I appreciate your help a lot. Now the search is on for a distributor at a reasonable price. I'm probably going to go with fcpgroton. Thanks for the tips, this forum is awesome.

 

I got the same prob and now i'm sure it's the distributor. I'm going to replace my volvo distributor rotor this afternoon and hope it'll work well.