964 C-4 Clutch questions . . .

My recently acquired C4 has 78K on the odometer and extensive service records (the car was formerly owned by a well known mechanic). While searching through the records, I noticed that the car was in for a "T02 Recall" at 36.5K. Does anyone know what this recall was for? In addition, my clutch action is rather stiff, though not unlike that of other 911's in my family ('94 Speedster, '96 993 Turbo). Is there a lighter set-up that I could use as an alternative? How does one tell if his car uses the "dual-mass flywheel" that I often see referred to in posts on this and other sites? Finally, my clutch does not engage until it is almost at the top of its travel (as in, almost fully released). While this seems to allow for quicker shifts, I have heard that the condition spells impending doom of the clutch. Is this true? If so, how much is the stock replacement compared to something aftermarket? Thanks for the help!

Scroogie:

No idea what a T02 recall is...call a dealership and ask them what it was or subscribe to ALLDATA.COM.

All C4s, except those released in 1989, use the dual mass flywheel. The more problematic dual mass units were installed between 1990 and mid 1992 (see Bruce Andersons book for details). In May of 1992 a more reliable dual mass flywheel was used, but a lot of people opt to completely replace the dual mass units with single mass units to avoid problems all together.

If your clutch is engaging at the high point, it could be nothing more than an adjustment (hydraulic clutches DO need pedal height and free play adjustments sometimes...but it's not likely unless some of the nuts securing these positions have come loose or you are leaking fluid...as the clutch wears you'll need to add more fluid).

With the miles you have on the car, if you suspect something is wrong, have it checked out. Most shops will check out your clutch operation for free, and often make any adjustments for a few bucks.

Referring to a clutch operation as "stiff" is relatively subjective. On my C4, I'd call the pedal effort moderate. On my old '87 RX-7 I'd comparitively call the pedal effort light compared to the C4, but on my old Stealth RT/TT (AWD) I'd call the pedal effort VERY hard compared to the C4. It's all relative, but the fact that your clutch is releasing high would, at least to me, indicate mal-adjustment of the pedal height/free play or a failing clutch.

If you need a new clutch, now is the time to dump the dual mass units all together. That's just my opinion. Maybe the upgraded flywheels are really better, but I've heard stories.

Hope this helped,

Bill Wagner