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Hugh, that is a very interesting car. Rare to see someone stick it out and continue with ownership, versus taking the cash and running. Good for you. I've noticed it in your signature line and was always curious about it.
You say that your pressure plate is out of balance. Pressure plates are normally balanced upon being manufactured, and though the previous balancer might have screwed with it, here is something to check prior to re-assembly:
I presume the pressure plate is similar to most standard automotive pressure plate designs where the engine torque is transferred from the flywheel to the pressure plate cover, then to the pressure plate friction surface via some sets of flexible drive straps. Inspect these drive straps closely as it sounds as though one of them may have broken, or the fastening rivets at the ends of the drive straps have come loose. When this occurs the cast iron friction surface of the pressure plate can shift slightly, and cause a similar type of viabration due to going out of balance.
You also mention that the flywheel was built up with a layer of steel which was welded on. If your flywheel is cast iron, this process is not advisable due to potential internal stress, cracks, and centrifical force at engine RPMs. Exploding flywheels are beyond dangerous. Extra friction surface is best bolted on with countersunk bolts, ala aluminum race flywheels with steel friction surface bolted on. Regardless, you might inspect it for cracks around the weld, or warpage of the mild steel component which may have developed through normal use.
You might also check that they balance one item at a time. First the crank, then added flywheel and balanced it, then added the pressure plate and balanaced it. If they did the crank, then added both the flywheel and the pressure plate at once, it would be impossible to tell if it was the flywheel or the pressure plate which was out of balance.
Jim
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