clutch smell

sixbanger · 02-06-2007, 07:07 AM

I have noticed that when I step on the gas while standing half way in and out of my 89 911 that I smell rubber. I know I need a clutch in the future but is this from the rubber center spinning making heat hence the rubber smell. I thought maybe it would chatter but I don't feel it.

Oh Haha · 02-06-2007, 04:19 PM

I believe your clutch had the spring centered clutch from the factory. In this case, it's probably your clutch being fried.

What do you mean "while standing halfway in and out"? You are activating the throttle while standing outside the car or you are letting the clutch pedal halfway out/in?

JoeyD911 · JoeyD911's Garage

The way I read your message, clutch fully out, half way on the gas, then nail it and it slips giving you the clutch smell. Make sure you aren't just accelerating your need for that new clutch due to a bad adjustment.

Joe
82SC

kepperly · kepperly's Garage

If you are smelling rubber burning the center could be coming apart with a small piece between the clutch disc and pressure
plate. Might re-think time table for the clutch repair.

Keith Epperly
87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

Early_S_Man · 02-06-2007, 06:19 PM

3.2 Carrera clutch disks are spring-centered, not rubber-centered!

Is you clutch pedal freeplay properly adjusted?

If you want to test your clutch for slippage ... find a straight, isolated stretch of highway with a slight grade. On an unoccupied stretch [so you can focus on the car, not surrounding traffic] get up to 60 mp and shift into 5th gear. Apply WOT and see if the engine revs suddenly without increase in cars' speed. If clutch is slipping under load in 5th gear with proper freeplay adjustment ... the clutch disk is worn too thin and needs to be replaced!

kepperly · kepperly's Garage

Forgot to mention all carrera's came w/ rubber centered clutch unless they have had a replacement.

Keith Epperly
87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

kepperly · kepperly's Garage

Early S-man rethink that statement or take a look at the pet program. The turbo might have had a spring center but the carrera definitely was rubber centered.

Keith Epperly
87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

Early_S_Man · 02-06-2007, 06:51 PM

OK ... on the clutch disk.

The test I proposed is still valid ... and guesses from the 'net won't do much good without testing in person!

kepperly · kepperly's Garage

S-man, maybe you should get out rolling thunder for a visit to
Wichita, Ks. so it can meet my gas burner. 68 ss 396/375hp
4-spd El camino had engine replaced in late 69 w/ Ls6-454/460hp,
Its not kind to Mo-Pars and allot rarer than even a slant nose.

Keith Epperly
87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

sixbanger · 02-06-2007, 07:16 PM

The clutch is not slipping. With the car standing still I can rev it up and exit the car and stand at the drivers rear wheel and I smell burning rubber. I wonder if the rubber broke loose and is just spinning and burning because it is getting hot from the friction.

88-diamondblue · 02-06-2007, 09:10 PM

This most likely what has happened or is in the process of happening. It may not be this bad but the process may have started. I was able to drive with it his way for a while, knew something was not right but was not prepared to for this.

andreas panayio · andreas panayio's Garage

I actually have a similar problem with my clutch on my SC. Even when I replaced my clutch, I got a bad smell every time I tried to accelerate fast with my clutch still pushed half way.
Is there any adjustments or changes necessary or recommended for these cars?

Kevin Taylor · Kevin Taylor's Garage

If the vehicle has been siting for years can this rubber brake down
and become more dry rotted? Making a clutch more susceptible
to coming apart? Michael was yours making any noise as well?
Did it smell too? What is the replacement clutch like?
Thanks

K.T.
1973 911 E 2.4 MFI
1983 911 SC
1978 911 SC
1965 Devin "D" / 1967 912 Power Plant

sixbanger · 02-07-2007, 07:28 AM

When I'm giving it gas I am not pushing the clutch pedal at all and I get the smell. Can that metal that is connected to the rubber some how spin if it is broke loose?

kepperly · kepperly's Garage

The clutch hub will not spin inside the clutch disc, what is happening is the rubber gets between the clutch disc and
the pressure plate and that is where the slipage is and the resulting burning rubber smell.
Keith Epperly
87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

88-diamondblue · 02-07-2007, 10:30 PM

Mine was not making any noise and let loose after a 140+ mph run. I was on a hard acceleration in first and the rubber let loose. Thought I had missed a shift. No rubber smell before that but it was always there after it happened. After it did make a clunking sound. Mine was the original clutch so it was just time after 18 years. I ended up putting in a spring centered disc and have a rubber centered disc for sale. The clutches for the 87-89 are expensive $750-900.

Clutch disk

Resurfaced Flywheel new bolts and bearing

New Pressure Plate and bolts and throw out bearing