Clutch roughness suddenly - Could use input please - only with engine running

butzi73 · 08-30-2007, 05:11 PM

Any input on this would be much appreciated!

At a stop light I noticed that my clutch all of sudden felt rough when I pushed in and out. Not horrible, but noticeable. Kind of lite grinding or rubbing against rough metal feeling. It's liner throughout the entire range both in and out. Seemed to operate and shift fine the few miles home.

At first I thought the cable must be rubbing against something, but I was surprised when I turned off at engine (back home) that the clutch was normal with no sensation while pushing in and out. I started it back up, just idling in the driveway, and the rough sensation returned.

I'll get under the car and take a look at the clutch when I have a chance this weekend, although I can't say I really have any clutch experience.

I'm definitely wondering why it would only do this with the engine running. Probably a simple answer, but I'm still learning.

I was really looking forward to driving it this weekend, but now I'm worried about this. I just had the alignment done a week ago.

It's a '73 RS clone based on a '68 with a '74 motor. 901 close-ratio 5 speed.

Thanks for your help!!

ianc · 08-30-2007, 06:24 PM

Super nice looking car!

My bet would be the throwout bearing. Get set for more opinions,

ianc

Jeff Alton · 08-30-2007, 08:27 PM

I would agree with ianc, soundsl like a throwout bearing issue.

cheers

butzi73 · 08-30-2007, 09:08 PM

Actually, I meant to say it's based on a 1969 body - long wheel base.

Throw-out bearing eh? Interesting. I'm wondering if I can replace just that, or if I need to do the whole clutch. I'm tempted to dive in and do it myself. Could be a good project for me to get my feet wet, or I guess oily in this case.

I had the future plan of going for the 915. I really love the short ratios in my transmission. It's a lot of fun for sure, although I just wish 5th was tall so I could cruise on the freeway in more comfort. As it is now I'm limited to about 60 to keep the revs below 4k. I'd take short-ratios with a tall 5th. That seems ideal. I don't think I can afford a whole new transmission right now, but I realize just getting in there could warrant replacing more than I bargained for.

Does anybody know the scope and cost of just replacing a throw-out bearing?

Best Regards,

ManaMan · 08-30-2007, 10:43 PM

My friend was quoted 12 hours labor for a new clutch at a independent Porsche shop, he checked at a dealership, and the book said 8 hours.

ianc · 08-30-2007, 11:55 PM

A car this nice deserves more than the throwout bearing-only procedure...

ianc

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

Dude,..why such LONG exhaust? Probably a reason for sure.....sincerely: just curious?

My best,

Superman · 08-31-2007, 01:21 PM

I would say pedal bushings, unless this only happens with the engine running. In that case, perhaps TOB. With the car in first gear, raise one rear wheel and, while someone is pressing on the clutch pedal, turn the wheel that's off the ground. This will turn the pressure plate while there's pressure on the TOB. Perhaps you will be able to hear something? At any rate, these cars are pretty accessible in terms of wrenching, so yeah this is a project you should do. I'm okay with partial clutch jobs, but I replace everything that needs it. You might want to have someone look at the parts while they're out. The TOB should rotate VERY smoothly. Very.

butzi73 · 08-31-2007, 08:54 PM

dshepp806,
Yeah, I know, long exhaust is long for sure. Too long for me, but it's how the car came when I got it and I haven't got around to cutting them down yet. I do plan on cutting them down about half way. I think the original idea is to keep the exhaust dust away from the rear of the car, and maybe also to keep the noise down.
I'll tell you, it's pretty loud as is. When I step on it it roars like a rowdy German muscle car. I had my wife drive it while I trailed along side in our other car, and I was amazed at how much louder it was that I had even thought. Frankly I think I might have to tone it down a bit with a different exhaust at some point, but to be honest with you I am really trying (successfully I might add) to enjoy the roar while I have it. After about a half hour your ears start to feel a bit numb, but when doing short jaunts around, like I do, it's really fun. There is a serious level of satisfaction from the sound coming out of those pipes, as outrageous, and may I say distasteful as they look.
Cutting them down will probably make them look better, but will probably make them even louder. And so I will have to get a "real" exhaust at some point that actually has baffles in it. But man, hearing this exhaust at 7000RPMs makes you smile -- guaranteed! It's like being at the race track, and it's really fun :-) I'm torn for now.
Thanks everybody else for you input and suggestions. I will apply them all this weekend. I also will take a good set of photos and videos to share with everybody at some point.
Here is one quick video clip that I took of me stepping on it. I will take better later,
http://carynoel.com/butzi73/

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

Man, that's a SERIOUS sounding mutha!!!!!!!!!

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

Great looking car! : )