is it the tranny or the clutch?

Good evening gentlemen,I am buying a 77 wide bodied steel slantnose w/ a 3.2.It has 67000 miles on it.Receipts showed the rebuilt in 1990 and leather interior work w/recaros for $5100.THE AGREED PRICE IS $17.5.Sometimes,I gear it to 1st,it pops out of gear.Is it the tranny or just the clutch.I have until tomorrow to return the car.If it is just the clutch,I'll keep it.Am I paying too much money for it?I am new in Porsches' so please help.............

Nik,

The strongest likelihood is that it is the transaxle, rather than the clutch. Does the clutch have the 'normal' 5/8" to 3/4" freeplay?

I can't really comment on the price without seeing the car. It sounds like it might be a reasonable car to buy if the quality of the work and condition are still good since the interior work. Have you compared it to other cars in that price range, say late SC's?

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

thanks Warren but I am sorry I do not know the difference re- the clutch freeplay.At times uphill on 1st the clutch does not engage so the engine just revs. I have looked for a while here in the bay area and in L.A. but w/ my budget it is limited.I will return it since the tranny will probably cost me 3k to 5k.If it is the tranny, shouldn't I be able to put it at first at all.I do love the car though.Porsches'are really addicting.Ever since I had it for 5 days I never felt any pains in my body.I feel younger.Thanks again for your pro.reply.....nick

it seems to me that $3k is the absolute MOST you could spend to rebuild a tranny, including removal and replacement (R&R), if every reasonable thing was wrong with the tranny. As far as value, it depends on the overall condition of the car.

Perhaps an offer could be contingent upon acceptance of a professional inspection. Taht will buy you a little time, and teach you more about the car's condition.

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'83 SC

uh... i've got to chime in and say YES, you can spend over 3k easily on the tranny rebuild. i spent that on parts alone for mine, and that was supposedly 'at cost'. i've heard of others spending up to 4k before, too. however, my rebuild involved the replacement of just about everything, including a brand new ring & pinion (a sweet $1400). when you start replacing actual gears, ring & pinion, and other similar parts, the cost gets utterly ridiculous. i bought my car knowing it had to have a tranny rebuild, but i had no idea that i would have to replace so many parts.

however, maybe your potential cost would be less, assuming you don't have any other symptoms but first gear probs... part of me just likes to play it safe and assume the worst, so i don't have a heart attack when the bill comes.

:-)

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Adam Nitti
ajnitti@mindspring.com www.adamnitti.com
'85 911 Carrera Coupe

[This message has been edited by adamnitti (edited 01-02-2001).]

How well does it go into 3rd or fifth?

Could it be an adjustment problem???

Nick Hromyak
'85 Carrera

I don't see anyway the clutch could cause you to jump out of gear. I would suspect the tranny.

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Jeff Parker
72t

YOu might check the adjustment of the linkage. I had problems with 1st on my 71 targa. After new coupler and linkage bushings($30) and adjustment I have no problems.

I also discovered that my sometimes "slipping" clutch was the sticking pedal bushigs($20).

Not sure about your tranny but these are cheap fixes and may be easily checked before dropping a bunch of money on a rebuild.

Just a thought

Jamie
71 911t targa http://www4.ncsu.edu/~jpnovak

Nik,

After rereading your second post, it sounds to me like the clutch is probably maladjusted and is slipping if it doesn't engage on takeoff up hills. Have you had any kind of pre-purchase inspection to get a professional opinion?

You should discuss such an inspection with the seller and your/our concerns.

You could even get Bruce Anderson do an evaluation since he is in silicon valley, and does that sort of thing.!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

hello guys,I got the seller to reduce $750 off the price.It shifts well on 3rd and 5th,sometimes it does work well on 1st too.Forgive me guys for not getting an inspection.It's the golden rule that you helpful guys preach.I just hope it's just the linkage.I just fell in love with it.I will be taking it to GD RACING in San Bruno.Gary seems to be honest.Thanks for all your help.....................nick