Joe6pack

Yeah, crap. Yesterday, the spousal unit wanted to drive the '87 Carrera to do some running around. So today, I get in it to take it to work and I notice some play in the driveline. There is a distinctive "thunk" when engaging the throttle and again when letting off of the throttle. I am pretty sure my clutch center is gone.

So, here is the question. Can I still drive this thing the 25 miles to get it home or is it gonna leave me stranded?

Thanks in advance,

Peter Zimmermann

Drive gently, keep the revs low (below 4K), and only shift if you absolutely must! Gently! Good luck!

Joe6pack

Thanks, Pete!

User 4221

Stick to freeways or roads where you can maintain a constant speed. Shifting and accel/decel are rough.

Mine failed this time of year about two years ago.

BTW, ask her what she was doing when it failed.
I was flogging the snot out of my car when it let go.

Peter Zimmermann

Probably not the wife's fault. If the clutch has 80K miles + it might just have been ready to expire. But if she had the car valet parked...

User 4221

Bah! Blame the wife, it's much more fun!

Peter Zimmermann

6pack...mandatory reading before you do your clutch!

https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...+clutch+rattle

It's a little long, but worth it...

Joe6pack

Well, I made it. I babied it all the way home.

I got up at 7:00 this morning and the engine and tranny were out by 5:00. First time I have pulled the engine on a Porsche. My estimate of the location of balance on the engine/tranny combo was less than stellar. Also, the Bentley manual either doesn't mention or I overlooked the starter cable. Oof.

I have read several threads and I will probably go back with the rubber centered unit. It's a cabriolet and will probably never see the track. I just need to decide if I want to replace everything or just the disc. I will have to asses condition once I get everything separated.

Anyway, here is the obligatory engine out pic:

wildcat077

My rubber centered clutch exploded on me last Fall on my 89 and i replaced the whole kit with a spring centered unit ... might as well replace everything while you have the engine out and do the clutch release fork bearing/bushing update !
There are no added vibrations or other issues with the spring centered units,by the way !

Cheers !
Phil

Peter Zimmermann

Your car is an '87, which means that it's had a TO fork/shaft/bearing update replacement, or it needs it, or it needs the update replaced! Does the release fork shaft have a welded end (early), or does it have an end plate that pushes against a seal cap/cup (late/updated)? You can see this on the outside of the diff housing at about 1:00 up from the left stub axle.

kevinr1247

But it is okay to take their words out of context for political gain!

The updates are definitely noticeable. I noticed less "chatter" after I had my clutch replaced on my '88. (Rubber actually split in half when mine went.)

Joe6pack

Hi Peter - I actually have the shaft removed and it has needle bearings in each end. The car has 157,000 miles, so this can't be the first clutch.

On another note, how do I get the pressure plate off? I have removed the 9 bolts holding it in place, but it won't budge. Do I whack it with something (i.e. a rubber mallet), or is there some other secret.

Kevin, that is a seriously beautiful coupe.

Joe6pack

Nevermind, it's off. The rubber hub has definitely separated. Oh, well. Now, I am waiting on my engine stand adapter which should be in later this week. As long as I have the engine out, I might as well adjust the valves and clean everything up.

User 4221

Take care of the seals in the "Triangle of Death" and the two engine flywheel sensors.... Engine speed and Reference.

The triangle of death is the oil thermostat O-ring, vent tube adapter gasket and temp switch O-ring.

Check for oil leaks at all points on the engine and take care of them.

theiceman

Oil pressure switch,thermostat o ring and breather gasket