1987 911 Carrera clutch issue

[JCCarrera]

I just bought a 1987 911 Carrera with G50 gearbox in UK. The car is in excellent condition and has only covered 7000 miles in the last 6 years. when changing gear with the clutch fully depressed the gears don't change cleanly but if I depress the clutch pedal 3/4 way the gear change is good. Is this likely to be a clutch adjustment issue?

[DRACO A5OG]

You have a Hydraulic Clutch, I recall the adjustment will be at the pedal cluster.

Oh yeah Welcome to the Board, get the Bentley Manual it is priceless life saver for your new baby

Pics Please

[Jonny042]

Not to scare you, but there could be something awry with the clutch - the G50 clutch arrangement is unlike 99% of other cars out there, the Throwout bearing is actually PULLED instead of pushed. I guess the engineers did it this way to maximize surface area of the flywheel.

Anyway, it's worth researching a bit more and understanding the potential pitfalls including the whole issue of if it's had the cross shaft update, etc.

If it doesn't turn out to be something simple with the adjustment I would advise to yank the motor and trans as a unit, get the cross shaft out (so you can split the engine from the trans) check everything out, and replace as necessary.

I had to do this shortly (within 1000mi.) after getting my 87. Good way to enjoy the complete ownership experience. There's a few other things that you can do "while you're in there".

[KTL]

I would check the pedal cluster as DRACO suggests. There's really not any actual adjustment at the pedals. However there is a pedal stop that you should check. It sounds like there could be over-travel happening. The pedal stop could be missing altogether. The purpose of the pedal stop is to prevent over-travel of the master cylinder.

Technically speaking, there is adjustment at the pedals. But it is not intended to be adjusted as a result of clutch operation problems or maintenance. The hydraulic clutch is self-adjusting.

The adjustable components at the pedals, a linkage cam and the master cylinder pushrod length, are intended to be adjusted to for feel and a required length spec respectively. The linkage cam is to set pedal effort. It does nothing for clutch actuation. The master cylinder has a required installed length for proper throw/displacement to the slave cylinder and consequently moves the clutch diaphragm springs the proper amount.

[arry911]

Originally Posted by KTL

I would check the pedal cluster as DRACO suggests. There's really not any actual adjustment at the pedals. However there is a pedal stop that you should check. It sounds like there could be over-travel happening. The pedal stop could be missing altogether. The purpose of the pedal stop is to prevent over-travel of the master cylinder.

Technically speaking, there is adjustment at the pedals. But it is not intended to be adjusted as a result of clutch operation problems or maintenance. The hydraulic clutch is self-adjusting.

The adjustable components at the pedals, a linkage cam and the master cylinder pushrod length, are intended to be adjusted to for feel and a required length spec respectively. The linkage cam is to set pedal effort. It does nothing for clutch actuation. The master cylinder has a required installed length for proper throw/displacement to the slave cylinder and consequently moves the clutch diaphragm springs the proper amount.

I agree ,pedal travel too far. It sounds like the clutch operation is ok.

[Chuck.H]

+1 on the pedal stop - I like all my cars to have them, so I can cleanly press the pedal to the floor and know it's in the right spot.

FWIW, my pedal shaft (the one that both the brake and clutch rotate on) failed at 250k miles, but I don't think that's your problem. Mine literally fatigued the metal and was about to come apart from the miles.

I thought the part would be un-obtainable, but our esteemed host located the part in Porsche warehouses and sent it.

The other shaft, where the throwout bearing fork resides, is a pattern failure point and most likely your problem. There is a quick fix kit but unfortunately it requires removing the engine/trans. (as does the real fix, bore the trans for larger bearings IIRC).

Hope this helps,
Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 327k miles

[JCCarrera]

Thanks for the advice guys, I will be checking out the peddle stop option first, hopefully it is just missing. Unfortunately I won't see the car until December as I bought it in Ireland but live in Australia. I will import it to Aus early next year when I get all the paperwork filled in.

[DRACO A5OG]

Very Nice a Euro RHD

Break a Leg on the missing part when you get her!

[Marc Bixen]

Don't forget you may have a failed rubber clutch center. If the rubber center comes apart pieces of rubber get lodged in between the friction disc, flywheel and/or pressure plate. You'll get grinding trying to engage gears. Drive the car slowly in 1st or 2nd, on the gas, off the gas repeatedly and see if you hear a clunk as the load changes direction. You can also jack up the rear, install jack stands, car in gear and try to turn both tires in the same direction at the same time. Minimal or no movement, your o.k. If the wheels rotate 1/8-1/4 revolution you have a damaged friction disc center.