[LeckerNeunelf]

I washed the car last night ('89 Carrera), dried it off as good as I could, then did my usual, which is to drive it with as much spirit as the law will allow for a 5-8 mile trip. I figure warming the engine through and blowing some residual water out of the cracks after a wash is a good idea.

I happened to get stuck behind an annoyingly slow drivers. I'm not sure why, but I allowed the car lug a little while in 5th gear at 42-45 mph. The tach was below 2k but over 1.5k.

The reason I'm posting is because, the engine shuddered and spluttered in a way that I had not experienced before. It was quite annoyed at me. I downshifted to fourth. The revs picked up but some gurgle-surges continued, but much less. I built the revs up a little and everything smoothed out.

Then I gave the car a solid run through the gears; red lined it a couple of times. She seemed as happy as a clam in mud.

Question: Am I just a dork for lugging the engine, and this is normal? I've lugged engines before and they just seem to grumble a little before things correct. This was slightly more dramatic.

Is this perhaps a sign that the clutch is about to go?

I bought some transmission fluid (Mobile One Delvac) some months ago, with the idea of getting some clean stuff in there. I have not had a chance to do it yet. Does this factor?

Your thoughts appreciated.