Miata Mailing List: October 1998, Message #188

sponsored by

Previously on clutch worn, Bjm66mx5@aol.com said...
 
> Is there any little, simple test I can perform to tell if I need a new
clutch?
> I'm pretty sure I do because when I drop it at somewhat higher rpms it
takes a
> couple seconds to get moving.  Also when I do a high rpm 1-2 shift there
is a
> definite delay of power in second gear.  It sounds almost as if the
engine is
> winding up but not really going anywhere.  The clutch also seems to be
> engaging at a higher point in the pedal travel.  

Very simple test for a worn clutch:

Drop it at higher RPMs.  If it takes a couple seconds to get moving, it's
slipping.

Try a high RPM 1-2 shift.  If there's a definite delay of power in second
gear it's slipping.

Does it sound like the engine is revving faster than it should for the
speed of the car?  Does the clutch engage at a higher point than usual? 
Probably worn out clutch.

:)

> I believe it is the original
> clutch.  (1991, 47K)  Any help and suggestions would be helpful
including a
> good relatively inexpensive aftermarket heavier-duty replacement. 
Thanks.

At 47K miles the clutch shouldn't be going unless you have a heavily
boosted car.  Most OEM Miata clutches will get close to 100K miles with
normal driving, if not more.  2nd owner car?

The other possibility is that there is something damaged in the clutch
itself.  I had similar symptoms in a different car and I think I remember
the diagnosis being a damaged throw-out bearing (caused by my abuse of the
car - a 1976 Vega, no jury would convict me).  In either case, you are
looking at a new clutch.  If you want to go to a higher performance
clutch, both PBC and dlralt sell them.  Try their websites at
http://www.performancebuyers.com and http://www.dlralt.com respectively.

	-John

------------------------------------------------
John Freas (jfreas@earthlink.net)
Red '90 Base-ish #7690
Birmingham, AL
Team LS1, SP, the Gap...
Team dlralt, PBC, Roebuck, Voodoo...
"I have no idea what those dimple things on the windshield frame are for."
------------------------------------------------