Heavy 915 Clutch normal or is it?

[DRACO A5OG]

Gentlemen and some Ladies

So last week I helped a P-Buddy pick up is 86 3.2. We drove 36 hours straight back to Cali.

Nothing out of the ordinary except the clutch throw, I thought something was wrong because the clutch was so light. PO had documented clutch work done then I asked my buddy is this how his 84 3.2 is and he stated YES. WTD???

Blimey, I always thought the 915 clutch was liken to a Corvette circa 80's Truck but to my dismay I suspect my pressure plate is worn

Has any of you 915 guys felt this way about your 915 clutch? I always wondered why PAG would sell a car with such heavy clutch pre G50.

Now that I drive my car, I realize for years my clutch was not properly worked on, twice by pro wrenches. this is my next DIY project.

Jim

[schoward]

Yes - feel same way and sometimes wonder how it could have rolled out of a showroom without complaints. But multiple reputable shops have worked on it including new clutch, pedal bushings , cable, periodic cable adjustment etc over the last 10 years and none noted anything out of the ordinary. On my list to ask about next time it goes in, as I am used to it by now but others who drive my car can't deal. I recently drove a '69 T that was not as heavy. I suspect it may be just be the way it is. I may ask about helper spring condition.

I will say following the pedal bushing refresh (may have refreshed a spring or two?) things seemed to get little stiffer/crisper (heavier) but not extreme.

When clutch was replaced years ago, incl pressure plate, effort did not get better or worse.

[john walker's workshop]

new clutches are quite light feeling. when the disc gets thin, they get heavier. binding cables cause heavy pedal pressure also.

[ausgezeignet]

YES. Drove my 80 SC for years...had nothing to compare it to. Clutch was heavy, engaged rather near the top of pedal throw. Had it in for service last year at Beck's in Scottsdale for oil leaks and "while in there" items. Clutch was adjusted, new pressure plate, etc.

Picked up the car, popped the clutch and stalled front of the shop. The proper clutch was like driving a different car...light and precise. So much better.

Funny how I had compensated with technique and adapted to the "charm" of my old car without knowing how good it was when new.

[boyt911sc]

Jim,

After driving my '89 Cabriolet and I get into my '78 SC, it felt like my 915 clutch cable broke!!!!! It is so light and easy on your left leg compared to the G-50 (firmer). The 915 clutch pedal has been like driving my Subaru smooth and light. How old is your clutch disc?

Tony

[DRACO A5OG]

Hmmm, ever since I owned her I was prepared for a heavy feel. So I was not expecting anything but allot of stalling in the beginning and stranger comments like "Porsche POS"

My clutch is about 3 years old after a major gear box re-build, while I was in there, clutch disk was replaced as well as the fork, but wrench did not replace the T/O bearing, Guide Tube and Pilot bearing, a year later I replaced them myself due to a gritty feel in the throw.

"Broken Feel" that is what I thought when I drove the 86 3.2, then realized, shifting was smoother and didn't feel like she would stall/bog, yes, clutch play like a "Subaru" in fact after 36 hours straight, absolute zero fatigue in my left leg, it was a pleasure to drive.

I do realize the clutch will/should feel heavier as it thins out but even my buddy stated not that heavy. Luckily, I have an extra NOS Sachs Clutch ( yes the larger pads ) and NOS OEM pressure plate standing by, compliments of my buddy.

[Bill Douglas]

I put a few drops of oil on the clutch pedal bushing and it sure made it easier.

[vash]

when i bought my car, the clutch was freakishly heavy. it had a cam feel to it..where you push hard and it kinda fell off in tension.

it was definately not a constant tension. very difficult to drive, especially as a newbie.

i DIY'd the clutch job and it was stunning the difference it made. honda civic smooth.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

I put a few drops of oil on the clutch pedal bushing and it sure made it easier.

Thanks but I rebuilt the pedal cluster with Bronze Bushings, ZERO HELP.

[vash]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Thanks but I rebuilt the pedal cluster with Bronze Bushings, ZERO HELP.

Me too. Zero improvement.


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[911SauCy]

Great...

Another thing to investigate. For 911s being so "simple" I can't believe all the things that are wrong with mine...

[ClickClickBoom]

Bought my car, '84, clutch was 1950's logging truck stiff quick adjust per the manual and it's now Honda like......

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by 911SauCy

Great...

Another thing to investigate. For 911s being so "simple" I can't believe all the things that are wrong with mine...

Porsche designed them with light weight and simplicity in mind, but with adjustability comes mis-adjustability.

[911SauCy]

Originally Posted by ClickClickBoom

Porsche designed them with light weight and simplicity in mind, but with adjustability comes mis-adjustability.

Exactly.

I'm just a little foggy on the fact that it's been in the possession of 3 separate Porsche guru shops at one time or another since I've owned it.And after receiving many "should-do's" on the car, clutch adjustment was never one of them. I'd say "logging truck stiff" is accurate, like there isn't a helper spring at all.

Adjusting the clutch seems like a great complimentary thing for me to do since I'm just about 100% finished with shifter/coupler bushing replace/adjust.

[schoward]

Originally Posted by 911SauCy

Exactly.

I'm just a little foggy on the fact that it's been in the possession of 3 separate Porsche guru shops at one time or another since I've owned it.And after receiving many "should-do's" on the car, clutch adjustment was never one of them.

Same here - but reminds me of a time many years ago....pulled my car into a car wash just outside Newark, NJ. Rough place and the neighborhood was not overflowing with 911s if you know what I mean - so I thought. My car was on way to winter storage and had to get it somewhat clean and this was only option. Attendant hops in to pull it into the wash and quickly stalls car. Other guys laugh at him and he quickly responds in spanish "Stop laughing - I just drove the other one (clearly indicating another porsche 911)". The main guy looks at him and says in English "I told you - They are all different."

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by 911SauCy

Exactly.

I'm just a little foggy on the fact that it's been in the possession of 3 separate Porsche guru shops at one time or another since I've owned it.And after receiving many "should-do's" on the car, clutch adjustment was never one of them. I'd say "logging truck stiff" is accurate, like there isn't a helper spring at all.

Adjusting the clutch seems like a great complimentary thing for me to do since I'm just about 100% finished with shifter/coupler bushing replace/adjust.

Know what they call the guy who finishes last in his class in medical school?
....Dr.

[vash]

i did the same thing. went as far as to change my clutch cable.

pedal cluster was rebuilt before my ownership. nothing help except the clutch job. hope your deal is way different.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Draco - easy solution. Replace your clutch cable. If yours states "Made in West(ern) Germany" in white letters on the bowden tube (black tube alongside the trans) section; replace it immediately! That inscription designates an after market (pure junk) cable. If it doesn't state the above, it's probably just an old cable that's binding.

Your friend's new car is how a proper 915 clutch is supposed to feel; nice and light and smooth!

You won't believe the difference a new cable makes. Kudos to the mechanic who cared for the car that you drove!

[911SauCy]

Originally Posted by vash

i did the same thing. went as far as to change my clutch cable.

pedal cluster was rebuilt before my ownership. nothing help except the clutch job. hope your deal is way different.

Me too considering that according to receipts, the clutch doesn't have 40k easy miles on it.