88 Not going into gear and a clunking noise

[spb350]

I was driving my 88 today and I made a hard shift into 2nd and then it wouldn't go into third. In fact it didn't want to go into any gear so I pulled into a parking lot and messed with it and got it into 3rd. I drove it gingerly without shifting for about 2 miles and then I came up to a stop light. I was able to start shifting normally after I pulled away and continued towards home. As I got closer it started to not want to go into gear again and as I was decelerating and accelerating I was hearing a clunk in the back. I haven't climbed under it yet, I was thinking CV joints but I don't think that would affect the shifting. Any guesses? Clutch? Thanks in advance.

[DRACO A5OG]

Oh my, been there done that.

Get under her safely and open the inspection cover and check for bits and pieces.

On my 915, years ago, was out with a Pelican and he could not get into 1st. It turned out that my syncro band snapped and twisted up inside my box and destroy the 1st and compromised 2nd ( IIRC )

Stop driving her until you know what is going on in there.

[geoz]

An 88 would have a G50 box, let's hope that doesn't make the issue more expensive.

[porschenut]

It may be as simple as a loose transmission mount. Or worn out. Check the easy things first.

[spb350]

I pushed it out so I could jack it up and found this.

[Matt Monson]

Does it still have a rubber centered clutch?

[DRACO A5OG]

Oooh yeah, looks like rubber center clutch remnants, oh good, not as expensive

[porschenut]

I thought Porsche ditched the rubber centered clutch in 1984. It was still used on the G50 cars?!

Edit: Found the answer here - Rubber Centered Clutch Disc

Interesting that they went back to rubber center for the G50 cars, although an improved version that supposedly isn't prone to failure like the early ones.

If that's really rubber from the clutch, how did it get on your garage floor? The clutch disc is inside the sealed bell housing isn't it?

[spb350]

If that's really rubber from the clutch, how did it get on your garage floor? The clutch disc is inside the sealed bell housing isn't it?[/QUOTE]

There is a little window at the bottom of the trans. When I pushed it back it must have got kicked out the hole

[nine11speedster]

guys, i have a 89 with G50. Same thing happened to me today. Hard shift to 2nd, then not going in any gear. Pulled over to try to figure out a way; then I noticed with the engine turned off; i can put it in the gear I want; kept the clutch in and started it. Drove 30 minutes in 4th gear only home.

I hope its the clutch and not the gear box....

[nine11speedster]

spb350; did you smell something odd? I had this weird smell like burnt rubber.

[spb350]

Originally Posted by nine11speedster

spb350; did you smell something odd? I had this weird smell like burnt rubber.

I didn't smell any rubber. I'm going to check around tomorrow to get some prices, I hope $2000 will cover it.

[Alan L]

Don't put a rubber centred clutch back in. If it is the clutch the clunking is the dogs engaging in the bell housing. Can't remember exactly how it goes but the rubber center takes the load up til the dogs take the load. but without the rubber it is straight metal to metal. Sounds bad but it is not as bad as it sounds. Most clunks like that are undriveable.
But def needs replacing.
Alan

[nine11speedster]

Originally Posted by spb350

I didn't smell any rubber. I'm going to check around tomorrow to get some prices, I hope $2000 will cover it.

hey keep me posted, i m also in SoCal, i m also going the replace it and price comparison would be greatly appreciated!

[gamin]

My 88 G50 had the rubber center disc. Changed it out for spring center one.
While you're in there be sure to do the trans updates, shift fork shaft and guide tube.

[spb350]

So far $2200 - $2700. I've had two shops say you can still drive it, just not hard or more rubber will come loose. My clutch was not slipping at all before this happened. The shops also said the rubber just gets hot and then eventually falls apart, usually 8-10 yrs?. Most of the shops have recommended going without the rubber core. Does anybody here have any regrets ditching the rubber? Thanks

[Cory M]

When you have it apart check the clutch release fork and the aluminum bosses that are cast into the bellhousing. They can bind up and the bosses that the fork mounts to can break off. If that happens they need to be welded to fix. Something to be aware of while it's out of the car. Lots of info if you search.

[Alan L]

You need to ditch the rubber center clutch. They are a disaster. You won't smell any rubber and the clutch won't slip. The rubber is just the shock absorber taking up the clutch load - easing the load on to the drive train. 'Regular' clutches have the springs to do that.
So it is OK to drive - just be easy taking the load up on the clutch. And that will all but eliminate the clunk. But metal/metal is never good long term. but you could comfortably drive it to the garage or where ever you needed to get to. BTDT.
Alan