Is it common for these cars to develop a judder (shake) when starting off. Mine seems to vibrate when bringing the clutch out to take up drive or when down changing.

Is it the kind of "judder" you get when you let the clutch out without enough gas (front and back jolting) or is it more like a side to side shimmy?

Either way it sounds like a clutch related problem. Could be that the clutch cable is binding or possibly just adjusted too tight.

i had the same problem with mine, it was like the engine was jumping around in the engine bay...i loosened up the clutch cable a couple of turns, and i haven't had the problem since (and the clutch doesn't slip anymore either :D)

Mine did that for a while and it turned out to be a loose motor mount, check them all, both where they bolt to the engine and to the body.
Glen

Its like the judder you get when you start off without enough gas. But its not because of that because I can be holding the revs up at 4000rpm and slipping the clutch gently and it still does it.

I heard somewhere that it might be quite common on these models?

How do I check the motor/engine mounts

does the engine shake as you rev it in neutral?

I don't think so!

ok, i was reading about how clutches work on the eclipse forums... so here's a quote from 97GSTSpyder
"Ever have your car shake/rattle badly when the clutch is engaged? To the point where it feels like the motor is going to grow legs and hop out and run away? Haha, I've had this problem more than once. The cause of this could be warped clutch plate/flywheel/pressureplate, or bad throw-out bearing. Usually if there is a problem with the throw-out bearing, engagement will be rough and usually the clutch will not completely disengage from the flywheel. This causes more wear and tear on the clutch components. Also, not good"

:) sorry to bring this post back, but i figgured it'd be helpful

(orignal link http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=365652 )

Thanks for the reply, it is welcome. Another problem has come up, the carb has stopped working, which requires more urgent attention.

hey could you get a pic of your throttle linkage on the carb i don't know if i have mine corectly hooked up