My car tried to kill me!, Smelly clutch, and now no breaks? Options

[D-Jet]

Sunday I started smelling my clutch. A nasty smell if there ever was one. What was confusing was that it didn’t feel like it was slipping at all. Just the smell. So I drove it briefly on Tuesday and it seemed fine. I drove it a little further tonight and it started smelling again. It was about this point I noticed I had NO BREAKS. A fun experience. If you ever get a chance, pass. I pumped the pedal a few times and they came back. I headed home immediately. The smell on the clutch kept getting worse, and it became harder and harder to get in gear. Every time I tried to stop, I had to pump the breaks about 4 times and then I’d get pretty much regular pedal feel and stopping power. I’m so confused.

The car recently had its breaks bled. The breaks were fine before I started smelling the clutch. At least, I think it’s the clutch. Is there something that smells like clutch that it could be?

Occasionally, the gas pedal feels like there is something preventing it from going down. If I push it a little harder, past the resistance, it’s fine. The resistance varies and isn’t always in the same spot (I don’t think). Not sure if this is related, but I figured it was worth mentioning.

Even as I approached home, the clutch didn’t feel like it was slipping, though it was very hard to get into any gear. First gear made an even worse racket than it usually does.

Any ideas?

--G (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/confused24.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/blink.gif)

[mightyohm]

Is your parking brake stuck on? That will smell bad and cause your brakes to fail sooner or later when the fluid boils.

Is your transmission filled with fluid?

Is your clutch adjusted correctly? How is the clutch tube in the center tunnel?

[bondo]

Burning brakes smell EXACTLY like a burning clutch. Something got stuck on and boiled the fluid. Jack it up and see what doesn't turn (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

[D-Jet]

I didn't even think of all this starting with the brakes. But that seems to match the symptoms. I don't think it was the e-brake as it barely works (yet another item on my list of repairs), but I'll check that tomorrow.

If it isn't the brakes, how would I check the clutch tube?

--G

P.S. Thanks again guys. I've always loved cars, and can drive them well. But fixing them . . . that part's a new hobby.

[SpecialK]

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/agree.gif)

I'm with the other guys on the brake thing. Were the rears re-adjusted (venting clearance) after bleeding? There's a fairly good article with pics [link below] from PP that lays out the process. My guess is that they were dragging pretty hard giving you that freshly roasted clutch aroma (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/chowtime.gif) , and the added drag from the brakes heated up the clutch assy. (but hopefully didn't damage/glaze it.....mmmm, slow roasted honey glazed clutch (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/drooley.gif) ). If after the alleged brake issue is addressed there is a pulsating feel to the pedal when the brakes are applied, the rotor(s) warped from overheating.....replacement required (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/headbang.gif)

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/9..._brake_pads.htm

I need to go make a sandwich now, good luck with the car! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beer.gif)

[SGB]

I think you also have deteriorating bushings in the shift linkage. There is one at the firewall that is like a U-joint and takes a lot of loading when you force shifts, like you may have done when brakes were dragging....
Mine was fine untill I replaced bushings at the back of the linkage, then the added resistance or inflexibility caused the front bushing to go from "loose" to "gone" in a couple of days. It was more noticable on side to side lever movement- in fact the 2-3 slot was just gone most of the time....
shift improvements

[Eric_Shea]

Brakes... check for the blue rotor (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

Use your nose... you can probably find the caliper that was sticking pretty easy that way (do it in the garage so the neighbors don't see you sniffing your car). (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/blink.gif)

[jr91472]

QUOTE (D-Jet @ Apr 21 2005, 08:53 PM)

Occasionally, the gas pedal feels like there is something preventing it from going down. If I push it a little harder, past the resistance, it’s fine. The resistance varies and isn’t always in the same spot (I don’t think). Not sure if this is related, but I figured it was worth mentioning.

Make sure your clutch cable isn't wrapped around the accel cable.

In the cockpit, you will have to remove the board underneath the pedals and remove the small access hatch at the front of the center tunnel. Use a mirror and a small flash light and make sure to two cables are clear of each other.

It will make sense once you get under there.

good luck

[JB 914]

It sounds like the brakes are sticking. check the rear calipers. if they are sticking i recommend getting some from Eric Shea.

Those shift bushings you can get from Pelican. They will really make a difference in how it shifts. The firewall bushing is the toughest. IIRC we used a BFH and a socket to whack it in place (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

[Dr. Roger]

QUOTE (joe buckle @ Apr 22 2005, 12:33 PM)

It sounds like the brakes are sticking. check the rear calipers. if they are sticking i recommend getting some from Eric Shea. Those shift bushings you can get from Pelican. They will really make a difference in how it shifts. The firewall bushing is the toughest. IIRC we used a BFH and a socket to whack it in place (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

Words of wisdom if ever I've heard 'em...

[SpecialK]

QUOTE (rogergrubb @ Apr 22 2005, 01:31 PM)

QUOTE (joe buckle @ Apr 22 2005, 12:33 PM) It sounds like the brakes are sticking.  check the rear calipers.  if they are sticking i recommend getting some from Eric Shea.   Those shift bushings you can get from Pelican.  They will really make a difference in how it shifts.   The firewall bushing is the toughest.  IIRC we used a BFH and a socket to whack it in place (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) Words of wisdom if ever I've heard 'em...

I soaked my bushings in a cup of "HOT" water for a few minutes to soften them up, then pushed them into place with little problem......just don't mess around too long after taking them out of the water, they start to get rigid again pretty quick.

[tat2dphreak]

QUOTE (rogergrubb @ Apr 22 2005, 04:31 PM)

QUOTE (joe buckle @ Apr 22 2005, 12:33 PM) It sounds like the brakes are sticking.  check the rear calipers.  if they are sticking i recommend getting some from Eric Shea.   Those shift bushings you can get from Pelican.  They will really make a difference in how it shifts.   The firewall bushing is the toughest.  IIRC we used a BFH and a socket to whack it in place (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) Words of wisdom if ever I've heard 'em...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/agree.gif)

I am so glad I got a set of brakes from Eric!! better than new has never been more true!

[D-Jet]

All the bushings were replaced just last month. I know the syncro is gone for first gear, perhaps it's starting to go on second?

[JB 914]

QUOTE (D-Jet @ Apr 22 2005, 04:47 PM)

All the bushings were replaced just last month. I know the syncro is gone for first gear, perhaps it's starting to go on second?

That's pretty common in the first few gears. I had my tranny rebuilt for my V8 car by a local Porsche mechanic that does it on the side. He charges $350 flat. He disassembles it and lets you know what is bad and lets you bring him the parts. He hot tanks the case and then reassembles it.

If anyone local is interested let me know and i'll PM you his info.