vibration, engine or clutch?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by NVCE, Jul 21, 2010.

  1. dairyman

    dairyman <b> Hopper Thread Greeter</b>

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    Oct 31, 2009
    Ky.,wait'n in line
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    does the vibration go away under load?
     
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  3. JohnP3

    JohnP3 Road Train Member

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    Feb 21, 2010
    Rock Creek B.C. Canada
    0
    The damper does not really do anything until you get to higher RPM's, below 1800 they do very little. If in good shape, I take it, that it is a viscous damper, take it off and bounce it about 3 inches on the tire if it rattles it is junk, It could be the problem at low RPM if it is dry. If it is rubber mounted do the marks line up.
    The clutch, I have added an extra lock washer on two bolts if turning the assembly does not help. You can quickly R&R bolts and see if it helps or hurts, there are only eight bolts, I would do the two on one leg first if it gets better in one section try spitting one one each close leg, of the preasure plate.
    I take it you have cut apart the oil filter and checked the oil pan drain plug for particles. Done a valve set? Checked the motor mounts, good rubbers and no pieces jammed between the halves
    Lots of little things can give you a vibration
    It could be they did not grind the flywheel properly, and is out of balance.
    Just a thought!
     
  4. NVCE

    NVCE Bobtail Member

    11
    3
    Jul 21, 2010
    reno,nv
    0
    Hey Guys,
    The vibration is not load related. It is apparent when accelerating or decelerating. Loaded or unloaded.
    It does have the viscous damper so I could give checking it a try. I think I will give adding a little weight to the pressure plate a try. The clutch works well and I'd rather not buy a new one if I can find a way to work with this one. I adjusted the valves soon after getting the truck (thinking the vibration was a performance issue) the valves were WAY out of adjustment and the truck ran better as well as quieter but, the shake remained. Motor mounts look good. The Cat technician who dyno'd the truck seemed convinced the problem was outside the engine. I found no metal on the magnetic drain plug but never thought to look inside the filter. Will I need any special tool to remove the damper?
    Thanks again. sean
     
  5. JohnP3

    JohnP3 Road Train Member

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    Feb 21, 2010
    Rock Creek B.C. Canada
    0
    The vibration damper is held on with 6 bolts, and torqued to 150 to 170 ft lbs, you put the brakes on and the trans in high gear, using a 15/16 socket loosen the bolts then remove the damper. Two people is a lot easier to lift it out.. When you put it back on leave the belts off and run it without the belts just to be sure, it is not an accessory problem.
    Before you start it be sure it is out of gear.
    When working on anything I always, before I start it go threw a list, Oil, Air, Power Steering, turning devices. Works for me.
     
    W94Life and NVCE Thank this.
  6. NVCE

    NVCE Bobtail Member

    11
    3
    Jul 21, 2010
    reno,nv
    0
    Hey Guys,
    Finally got enough time to have another go at the shaking ten-wheeler. I basically did what Johnp3 said to do. Using a couple of slightly longer than stock, grade 5 bolts and a stack of alloy washers I chased the shake right out of my truck. It took about 2 1/2 hours of steady trial and error but it was absolutely worth every minute. Started by replacing one bolt at a time with a longer bolt and a thick stack of washers, running the engine at all speeds and then re-installing the original bolt, rotating 90 degrees, installing the the long bolt and washer stack there and re-testing and on to the next. In no time I knew where weight was needed and began fine tuning. adding or shifting a few washers to the bolts on either side of the big bolt. I am very pleased with the way the engine runs and how cheap the fix was. Thanks for all your help fellas. Sean
     
  7. 1989 Pete

    1989 Pete "Pine Tree Eater"

    replace the engine damper and just for kicks a balancer from PittsPow my two cents:biggrin_25526:
     
  8. 1989 Pete

    1989 Pete "Pine Tree Eater"

    Wow I'm late
     
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