"Troy Lumley" <Troy.Lumley@cox.net> wrote in message
newslcsd.173676$bk1.7688@fed1read05...
> Hello Everyone,
>
> I've been experiencing a strange but worsening problem each winter
> (Arizona
> Winter). When the car is cold, in 30-40deg. weather, the take off in first
> gear is not smooth and the car actually 'shudders' somewhat. After the car
> has warmed up to normal operation temperature the problem goes away. I
> took
> it to a transmission shop and they think my clutch is okay. I was
> concerned
> because I took it to a 1/4 mile track and abused it a little and thought
> my
> clutch was slipping. I have 116K miles on it now and I don't expect it to
> drive like brand new, but this problem only seams to be worsening. Any
> experience with a similar problem or have insight on what may be causing
> this? Thanks in advance with any help / suggestions you can offer.
>
> Troy
>
>
I have had this symptom in cars where the engine was getting funky. In my
old Volvo it was usually the points (that's how old it was!) and in my 300ZX
it was the injectors. In both cases the problem wasn't much better when the
engine was warm, but I could see that happening. The 300ZX responded to a
bottle of injector cleaner every time (with about a hundred miles of
driving), but if it has been a while since the last tune-up it's probably
time for that, too. I think once you get the engine in good form the clutch
won't feel grabby at take-off.

If you want to be sure it is the engine or it is the clutch, let the engine
warm up sitting in the driveway and see if the first takeoff is smooth. If
it is, look to the engine; if not, must be the clutch.

Mike