guywitha968

I recently noticed this, I don't know how well I can actually describe it, but I am noticing that at entering each gear, after I have let out the clutch pedal completely, it feels like the clutch has not yet quite fully engaged. Within about 2 seconds after I am off the clutch pedal, I can feel the RPMs change a little, as if the clutch is finalizing the engagement 2 seconds after I have gotten off the pedal. This only occurs once at entering the gear, after the phenom passes everything seems fine until the next gear change. The clutch master and slave were replaced roughly 1800 miles back. Is there some kind of break-in adjustment that needs repeated "sometime" after replacing these that might account for this operation? Bleeding? Pedal Adjustment? Other diagnosis?

Thanks

931guru

Look for a mechanical binding, perhaps in the clutch pedal assembly. There should not be a need to adjust the clutch pedal.

It also could be something inside the bell housing, for example, the needle bearings for the release lever or the guide tube for the throwout bearing.

LTDzak

These cars are known for having the clutch pedal bracketry fatigue the firewall and get "bendy", not sure that is your root cause though.
Cure is to have the firewall welded.

walfreyydo

Could just be a worn clutch. Worn clutch typically cannot hold the torque of the engine causing it to continue to rev even after the clutch pedal has been fully released. The beginnings of a worn clutch can show similar symptoms to what you describe. I cannot say if this is your issue though.

You can check the clutch disc wear rather easily on the 944 and I assume its the same for a 968, which might be a good first step before going further:
https://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/clutch-03.htm

guywitha968

@931guru , @LTDzak , @walfreyydo , thanks for the inputs. If I read the Clark's article correct it is possible to see this without to much difficulty if you can get under the car and there isn't something in the way, and if the inspection rubber plug has no secret handshake to remove it. I'll give it a try.

Question: I have just under 82k miles on this car. I am not a hard driver generally. What is the life expectancy of the 968 clutch plate?

Jfrahm

Clutch life is variable, depends on many usage factors. If it's used as a brake or slipped and overheated, highway vs. in-town miles, etc.