Well, I think I really screwed up the other day. I went to the track in my new (about 2,000 miles) 02 MN6 vert and on my first run my clutch made a whole lot of smoke. As soon as I realized it was my clutch slipping and not my tires spinning I let off. By then I was in third gear. Man, I must have had too many RPM's at the line, but I was trying for 2500 and am pretty sure that's what it was at when the light turned green. I finished the 1/4 at about 45 MPH as I just coasted the rest of the way on purpose. The only thing positive about the run was that my reaction time was better than I would have predicted(about .9 seconds). I did a small burnout before the run and my tires were definitely sticky, and the track was broiling hot.

After it cooled off a bit, I drove it home. Seemed to be OK, but my question is: How much damage did I do (there was a LOT of clutch smoke :nonod: ) ? Should I look into getting it checked out - possibly under warrantee? I normally drive the car carefully and don't slip the clutch at all. And last, if it does need replacing, is it just the clutch or is there more to it. Perhaps I would go with a Z06 clutch if it does need to be replaced.

:cry :cry :cry

 

Another PLUS for us A4 guy's No clutch to trash :D
Sorry to hear this,hope it's not AFU! :cheers:

 

The line restrictors got you I believe...you most likley reduced the life, but if it pulls hard in 3rd-4th gear w/no slipping on the road you are finr for a while.

I have seen a new stang totally burn his so it would not even pull him back on the return road!! :cheers:

 

I did the same thing when I first got my M6 with 19K back in October. About my 3rd pass of the day, I slipped the clutch a little too much and experienced the same thing you did. I was at the track on street tires as well. Took the car to the pits and there was stinky smoke coming from the rear fender well and also from under the hood. I assume from where the fluid reservoir is which is vented.

I let the car cool down for 1 1/2 hours then went and got two more passes out of it. The clutch hooked up and I was able to drive it home from San Antonio the same day which is roughly 280 miles. Since the car was new to me I think I just slipped the clutch a little too much.

I ran the car at the track all spring with no problems and have launched it conservatively at around 2200-2500 RPMS so the run flats don't break loose. I've since seen no other issues during normal operation. I plan to launch it fairly conservative and take care not to slip it until I get a clutch that can handle it and some DRs.

Saw another 01 M6 do the same thing this spring. Same scenario. He let it sit for over an hour then went and got 4 more passes out of it. (Made it to the semi finals)

I'm no clutch expert by any means just sharing my experience. It's been almost a year since mine smoked and it's still working fine. From what I've been told I just got it hot enough to reduce the life of the clutch.

Good luck

 

I simply disengage traction control (entirely). If I jump on it hard, my clutch has always had a mushy feel with the TA engaged... (plus it slows you down). I'd rather smoke my tires than the clutch. Lit'em up the other night in 2nd gear when a new GT mustang decided to play around.... wife complained about the smell (again) for an hour. :)

I read somewhere here on the forum a looong time ago that the C5 MN6 was designed to slip a bit. I've never been able to confirm that, however. My friendly shop manager said he wasn't aware of any specific design incorporated into the MN6 clutch to allow slippage (allegedly to save parts, such as U-joints). So if anyone knows for sure, speak up. Hope your machine is healthy. :cheers:

 

I've smoked my clutch pretty bad about 3 times since new. The clutch on these cars slips easier than any car I have ever driven. You really have to be careful.

If you're worried about it do this...

Get the car up to about 45 or 50mph and shift into 5th gear. Next, floor the gas...you won't go anywhere but you'll put a lot of load on the clutch. If the rpm's jump up a bunch then you know you've done significant damage and will soon need to replace the clutch. If the revs hold stead and gradually increase then you know you're ok.

I have 20K miles on my car and even with those three incidents the clutch holds fine even on the STEEP Pittsburgh hills. :cheers:


[Modified by Mike99C5HT, 12:16 AM 7/31/2002]