Clutch Question
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 45
From: Gaithersburg Maryland
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '06-'10-'11, '15
Clutch Question
I recently had my clutch replaced at the dealer.(3 months)Now I smell it burning at various starts. I have not put this car on the track,minimal jackrabbit starts, and I do not ride the clutch. I've had the car (2001) vert since December. Clutch still feels strong-just the smell.
What do you guys think ?
What do you guys think ?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
An "eau de clutch" aroma is not normal, even during hard driving.
It is created when the clutch is slipped excessively, vaporizing the surface of the rotating clutch disc and releasing the unique "eau de clutch" fragrance. This can occur
(1) on launch when you are slow getting full clutch engagement, e.g. you slip the clutch too much.
(2) on a shift if the timing of the various movements (clutch and accelerator) is off and makes the rotating clutch disc spin excessively before the clutch is fully engaged.
Unless your clutch has lost clamping power and is close to failure, then (1) and (2) are the likely causes of what you're smelling. If it happens VERY occasionally...not to worry. But if it happens almost every time you "get on it hard." then you need to carefully evaluate your launch and shift procedures.
Ranger
It is created when the clutch is slipped excessively, vaporizing the surface of the rotating clutch disc and releasing the unique "eau de clutch" fragrance. This can occur
(1) on launch when you are slow getting full clutch engagement, e.g. you slip the clutch too much.
(2) on a shift if the timing of the various movements (clutch and accelerator) is off and makes the rotating clutch disc spin excessively before the clutch is fully engaged.
Unless your clutch has lost clamping power and is close to failure, then (1) and (2) are the likely causes of what you're smelling. If it happens VERY occasionally...not to worry. But if it happens almost every time you "get on it hard." then you need to carefully evaluate your launch and shift procedures.
Ranger
Last edited by Ranger; Jul 17, 2004 at 01:01 PM.
