Spider drivetrain shutters when slowing to stop

["Wallace Martin" <sallgdon64@domain.elided>]

Recently encountered the strangest problem on my 1984 Spider Veloce:

When coming to a stop with the car in gear and clutch depressed, as the 
RPM's fall to about 1000, I get a rapid "thump-thump-thump" from the 
rear/underneath area, and the engine begins to stall.  The shuddering then 
stops and the engine RPM's return to idle.  The behavior the same when 
stopping with the car in neutral and the clutch disenaged.

As further info, the clutch seems to momentarily slip with a squalk/squeal 
occasionally when accelerating and letting clutch out.

I jacked the car, and was able to freely turn the driveshaft/differential.  
Filled and vented the clutch operating cylinder, and movement of clutch 
operating cylinder piston is in spec with the manual (about 1/2").

Engaging the rear wheels while running the car on jackstands brought on the 
same "whumping". My current plan of attach is to replace the clutch.  Does 
anyone have any info on this job? I've got the factory manual for guidance, 
but I seem to recall some "engine-mount loosening" technique from 
Alfa-Digest.  Any other tips, or idea about the root of this mystery would 
be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Wallace Martin

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

------------------------------