Foot in Clutch problem-LOL
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Hockley Texas
Foot in Clutch problem-LOL
I've had my 2011, manual, for about a month, and I still have problems making a smooth start in normal city traffic. I either bog it, or light up the tires. Anyone else having that problem? Is it mechanical, or physical?
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Check the clutch fluid and see if it's dark brown or worse. If so, change it via Ranger method. I had the same problem on my 06 when it was new; changing to clean fluid made a world of difference. I also later changed the clutch pedal return spring to a C5 spring which has less tension than the C6 spring and that improved clutch action even more. I now change my clutch fluid every couple of months whenever I see it start to darken up. It's an easy 5 minute job using Ranger's method. 
Last edited by SUB VETTE; Jul 20, 2011 at 05:24 PM. Reason: sp
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
Check the clutch fluid and see if it's dark brown or worse. If so, change it via Ranger method. I had the same problem on my 06 when it was new; changing to clean fluid made a world of difference. I also later changed the clutch pedal return spring to a C5 spring which has less tension than the C6 spring and that improved clutch action even more. I now change my clutch fluid every couple of months whenever I see it start to darken up. It's an easy 5 minute job using Ranger's method.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Hockley Texas
Thanks, I did take it to a friend (knowledgable) who said it seemed fine to him, and we did change out the fluid. Another friend said to pump the clutch 100 times with the engine off. The spring idea from SubVette above seems to make the most sense to me. The clutch being raised feels bizarre than any clutch I have ever used before (cars, trucks, tractors).
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 5
From: Ambler Pa.
Thanks, I did take it to a friend (knowledgable) who said it seemed fine to him, and we did change out the fluid. Another friend said to pump the clutch 100 times with the engine off. The spring idea from SubVette above seems to make the most sense to me. The clutch being raised feels bizarre than any clutch I have ever used before (cars, trucks, tractors).
Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
i don't seem to have that problem. maybe its your gas pedal or light/heavy foot? sorry i don't know why it would do that since it doesn't happen to me. only thing that has happened to me was that the engine shut off because i let go the clutch incorrectly - didn't give it enough gas.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,529
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
Thanks, I did take it to a friend (knowledgable) who said it seemed fine to him, and we did change out the fluid. Another friend said to pump the clutch 100 times with the engine off. The spring idea from SubVette above seems to make the most sense to me. The clutch being raised feels bizarre than any clutch I have ever used before (cars, trucks, tractors).
Also if you're getting late engagement of the clutch on the backswing, this can make smooth starts difficult. This was quite common with earlier C6's.
This 50 cent window track lock, clamped onto the clutch arm nubbin seen in the next picture, has fixed mine by reducing clutch overthrow:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...00/ppuser/6747
My clutch now engages very soon off the floor, and is easier to modulate with the foot. Vs trying to use the whole leg if you have to come back far on the backswing.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 918
Likes: 0
From: Tall city TX
It's a feel thing and it takes practice, practice, practice. I had to learn to drive a standard during winter in the mountains of Colorado on snow covered roads. Here's how my dad taught me 40 years ago.
Find a big parking lot without many cars (school or church lots work great) and start by finding at what point your clutch engages/disengages. You don't need to depress the clutch any further than the disengage point which makes the rt foot/lt foot coordination dance a little easier. Practice releasing the clutch smoothly with the least amount of throttle that will get the car rolling forward without stalling or spinning the tires. Practice this slow speed takeoff in both 1st and 2nd gear.
If you're constantly giving it too much gas, start in second instead of first until you get the hang of smooth clutch release and rolling into the throttle.
You'll get it down and then you'll have a blast driving a manual!
Find a big parking lot without many cars (school or church lots work great) and start by finding at what point your clutch engages/disengages. You don't need to depress the clutch any further than the disengage point which makes the rt foot/lt foot coordination dance a little easier. Practice releasing the clutch smoothly with the least amount of throttle that will get the car rolling forward without stalling or spinning the tires. Practice this slow speed takeoff in both 1st and 2nd gear.
If you're constantly giving it too much gas, start in second instead of first until you get the hang of smooth clutch release and rolling into the throttle.
You'll get it down and then you'll have a blast driving a manual!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,529
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
It's a feel thing and it takes practice, practice, practice. I had to learn to drive a standard during winter in the mountains of Colorado on snow covered roads. Here's how my dad taught me 40 years ago.
Find a big parking lot without many cars (school or church lots work great) and start by finding at what point your clutch engages/disengages. You don't need to depress the clutch any further than the disengage point which makes the rt foot/lt foot coordination dance a little easier. Practice releasing the clutch smoothly with the least amount of throttle that will get the car rolling forward without stalling or spinning the tires. Practice this slow speed takeoff in both 1st and 2nd gear.
If you're constantly giving it too much gas, start in second instead of first until you get the hang of smooth clutch release and rolling into the throttle.
You'll get it down and then you'll have a blast driving a manual! D
Find a big parking lot without many cars (school or church lots work great) and start by finding at what point your clutch engages/disengages. You don't need to depress the clutch any further than the disengage point which makes the rt foot/lt foot coordination dance a little easier. Practice releasing the clutch smoothly with the least amount of throttle that will get the car rolling forward without stalling or spinning the tires. Practice this slow speed takeoff in both 1st and 2nd gear.
If you're constantly giving it too much gas, start in second instead of first until you get the hang of smooth clutch release and rolling into the throttle.
You'll get it down and then you'll have a blast driving a manual! D
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
After driving sticks for 55 years I know what a smooth engagement means.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,529
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
I have noticed that more hammering=more heat=faster darkening.
I had my master replaced a few years back and the fluid no longer turns very dark. And I also rarely need to change it out anymore. Maybe yearly now. But I also don't hammer it much anymore...
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Fort lauderdale Florida
this statement is simply not true. the reason the fluid gets the color it does, is because of two things. First off, the grease that gm used in manufacturing the clutch masters, is the reason for the thick clumping you get in the resevoir and is directly related to the notchy feeling a lot of new vette owners experience. secondly, The dust from the clutch disk will actually get past the seal at the front of the slave, turning it black/brown. it lowers the boiling point and fluidity of the brake fluid in the system. This fluid gets very hot which like any petroleum fluid, lowers its effectiveness.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 328
Likes: 2
From: Spicewood Texas
The best thing I ever did to my 07 was to remove the clutch assist spring. In my opinion, it serves to mask the feel of the clutch. Mine was removed many, many miles ago. The car has 50K plus miles on it now. If removing the spring doesn't do it for you, you can put it right back in.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
this statement is simply not true. the reason the fluid gets the color it does, is because of two things. First off, the grease that gm used in manufacturing the clutch masters, is the reason for the thick clumping you get in the resevoir and is directly related to the notchy feeling a lot of new vette owners experience. secondly, The dust from the clutch disk will actually get past the seal at the front of the slave, turning it black/brown. it lowers the boiling point and fluidity of the brake fluid in the system. This fluid gets very hot which like any petroleum fluid, lowers its effectiveness.
Look at post #15.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ht=brake+fluid
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Fort lauderdale Florida
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Hockley Texas
JCrumpley in above reply has solved the problem, I think!!!
There apparently is a Clutch Assist Spring (that is easy to remove). It makes the clutch come out partially/normally, then it seems to "POP" out completely and engage. That describes exactly what occurs to me. Thanks to all the replies.
There apparently is a Clutch Assist Spring (that is easy to remove). It makes the clutch come out partially/normally, then it seems to "POP" out completely and engage. That describes exactly what occurs to me. Thanks to all the replies.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
When I first drove a C6 I did not feel comfortable with the clutch - nothing real obvious but I have driven manuals for so long that it second nature - not in this case. I ended up taking the car to a parking lot (on the test drive) and told the dealer I was going to master it (He was patient). After about 10 starts it was fine. I would say that compared to my LS2 equipped GTO, it is a more finicky clutch but I would just be patient. You may want to re-experience your adolescence - take it to a parking lot and practice. BTW- I refuse to own an auto unless sit is a dual clutch.
