Clutch question do my own or not?

Kurt B · 11-08-2002, 07:10 AM

I'm beginning to realize some of my clutch problems are due to the fact that the arm in the cluster needs to be replaced. It is grooved and affects the release by grabbing.
I don't need a clutch just now, i hope, but I plan on doing the next one myself.

My question is, for those of you who are not joe studly mechanics--maybe mildly retarded like I am--how long did it take, and did it turn into a nightmare?
I've done a CV joint, I've changed tensioners, replaced clutch springs, rebuilt pedal cluster, and small things like that--things that can be done in 4-5 hours....but the engine drop alone will take 4-5 hours.

I have Wayne's book and it seems pretty straightforward. How bad is it...how many hours for non-john walkers to complete?

(in the mean time, I'm going to pull the cluster and replace that arm)

Rot 911 · 11-08-2002, 07:23 AM

Kurt the things you have already done are more complicated than pulling the engine and tranny and separating the two. Total time: I guesstimate 10-15 hours. Give yourself two weekends if you don't want to work to hard at it.

ChrisL · 11-08-2002, 07:29 AM

Kurt,

If you can afford the downtime, have a warm dry place to store and work on the car and have the assistance of local Pelicanites go for it. I get the sense that here in Northern Virginia it would be hard to keep some of them away. I agree that you've already proven you can do it, just take your time.

Chris.

JDaniel · JDaniel's Garage

I have a feeling that if Kurt drove to NoVa he would indeed need a new clutch.
Let's see that's 2,200 miles, 627 intersections with 539 stoplights... allowing for timing of green vs. red, and the lack of ricers in some states... that comes to.... 397 clutch dropping 0-75mph ricer runs. Yup'' it will definately need a new clutch by the time he gets there.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Kurt, you CAN do it. I am a complete know-nothing and I did my own G50 clutch update with the help of several local Pelicanheads over two weekends. It saved me a ton of money, I learned a huge a amount and made some new friends. DIY!!!

Jim Richards · 11-08-2002, 08:08 AM

And he drank lots of beer...

Rot 911 · 11-08-2002, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard LeSchander
Kurt, you CAN do it. I am a complete know-nothing

I'd be more than willing to testify that Richard really is a complete know nothing!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

But I do know how to marshal the help I need to get a job done - get a case of Beck's, call Marcesq and Doug E, post here, worry a lot, swear little and voila - job gets done. Again, you can do it Kurt.

Jim T · 11-08-2002, 08:17 AM

Its not a hard job - but maybe not one that plays to your strong points. You really need to read up on the process, visualize it in your head, carefully mark what you take apart, and follow the directions carefully.

You seem to be more of a "seat of the pants" kind of guy.

But it isn't hard. I'd say it should easily be done in a weekend, even by a first timer. Someone with experience could change the clutch on an SC or Carrera in 4 hours, easily - maybe 3.

I say go for it, just read up, mark what you take apart, and be careful.

Crude Rudy · Crude Rudy's Garage

What's the group consensus on the fly wheel, remove resurface and replace (with all seals of course) or buy a new one? I've read some post that say you should not resurface the 3.2 flywheel. I think John Walker told us to make sure you find the right shop to resurface it properly. That's what worries me!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I think JW was talking about a G50 flywheel, which you don't have. I do and the only local guy I trust told me mine was not worth resurfacing. He said he would charge $150 to resurface. a new one was $215. For $60 added insurance I went ahead with a new one. I nicked up the first flywheel seal on install too and needed another one. When you have all that stuff apart, it's not a time for cutting corners.

marcesq · marcesq's Garage

Hey Kurt:

For the price of 2 roundtrip tickets, I am sure that I could find a partner. You supply the room and board for a weekend.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Marc has a great idea. I would happily take another trip to la la land to help with a clutch job. BTW, I'll be in Palo Alto over Thanksgiving if anyone needs another strong back and weak mind.