Will my SC clutch explode?

ikarcuaso · 03-01-2006, 09:34 PM

I recently bought an '82 SC with ~40K original miles. I've read that the original rubber-centered clutch in the SC models are particularly prone to failure. Should I be concerned at this point? What to look for to determine how close it is to going bad? And worst-case, how bad can it screw up my tranny if/when it does "explode"?

btw - I live in hills, and I climb a fairly steep hill with a couple stops along the way to get to my house, which has raised my concerns.

Thanks for any input.

cantdrv55 · 03-01-2006, 10:29 PM

Do you use your handbrake at the stop signs when on a hill? That's the way I drive mine in SF.

IROC · IROC's Garage

FWIW, the 2.7 that used to be in my car was rebuilt at a dealership in Germany in 1981. They installed a rubber-centered clutch at the time of the rebuild. I pulled the engine out in 2003 and the clutch was still fine.

Go figure. 22 years and 68k miles lates and it was OK.

Mike

Howard M · 03-02-2006, 04:51 AM

I wouldn't worry about it until the clutch has to be replaced, either because it's worn or the rubber has failed. Then, go for the spring-type clutch.

jimtalSC · 03-02-2006, 05:08 AM

When I got my car with rubber centre clutch it blew up without any previous sign that it was on its way out.

I was driving it real hard at the time of the explosion.

I'd leave it alone. When you go looking for a problem, there usually isn't one.

dlrnzo · dlrnzo's Garage

Mine blew and shredded everything in its path. Starter, etc.
I suggest you address it as soon as possible.

kqw · 03-02-2006, 07:34 AM

Oh, it's going to fail...It's just a question of when. Sooo..expect to be stranded one day soon.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by kqw
Oh, it's going to fail...It's just a question of when. Sooo..expect to be stranded one day soon.

well, you can say that about any clutch...or pretty much any part on the car.

whatever you do, don't drive the car in the rain either. They are made of sugar and melt.

Do you have records on the car? When I bought my car it had 41K miles on it and the rubber-center clutch had already been replaced...

kqw · 03-02-2006, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nostatic
......well, you can say that about any clutch...or pretty much any part on the car.....

True, true...however, we know that the rubber centered clutch disc is just waiting to disintegrate.

ikarcuaso · 03-02-2006, 01:13 PM

OK, thanks for the feedback. I drove it a bit today, and all I could think about is the clutch, which is original and squeaks very loudly. Maybe not necessarily a sign of proximate failure, but I need the peace of mind, especially considering where I live, so I'll be replacing it ASAP. I don't want to keep the other upgrades waiting.

JR_NYC · 03-02-2006, 01:16 PM

Like the other guy said, use your emergency brake. And sign up for AAA.

ikarcuaso · 03-03-2006, 09:29 PM

I just got my copy of the book Porsche 911SC The Essential Companion by Adrian Streather. In it, it says that the early model SCs had the exploding clutch disc, but "the problem was solved with the introduction of a spring centered clutch disc series with part numbers 911 116 011-18 and 911 116 011-19."

Just wondering if anyone knows if the correction was made in the 1982 model. Or is there a way I can find out (without taking apart my clutch

)? Thanks.

kqw · 03-03-2006, 10:26 PM

My '86 had a rubber centered disc...so take it from there....

johncarlos2003 · 03-03-2006, 10:59 PM

my 88 had rubber too- went out, blew up, at 67k--- now ive got sping type- just drive it til it goes unless you're rich.

o, and what's the real deal on when porsche stopped the rubber type? my tech (a P car dealership tech here in LA who works with me on the side) has an 88 coupe too and his also had rubber type til he and i replaced it- what's the deal with that?

ikarcuaso · 03-04-2006, 12:06 AM

Damn! Well, thanks guys. And that's a good question - so when did they stop making 911s w/rubber-centered clutch. Anyone?