It is not my day
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Joined: Aug 2004
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It is not my day
First, Potomac PCA canceled the DE at Carolina Motorsports. I was really looking forward to that. 
Second, in preparation for DE this weekend at VIR
, I took my car in for Tech inspection. The shop found the following problems with my car (which I bought pre-certified and have put less than 2K miles on since purchase):
1) Nail in brand new rear tire -- not covered by warranty
2) RMS failure -- covered by warranty so NBD, but still
3) Severely shredded clutch -- not covered by warranty
The dealer is trying to work with me on the clutch, which is not covered by pre-cert warranty (considered wear and tear). My point to the dealer was that I bought pre-certified due to the 100 point inspection. They said that they do not remove engine to inspect clutch (only caught it due to removal to fix RMS). I said that there is no way that I shredded the clutch in less than 2K miles. They said that they would 1) not charge labor; 2) will not seek to profit off of the parts; and 3) will pick up 50% of the no-profit cost of part. I guess that is OK.
On the bright side, better to catch the clutch now rather than on the track or off somewhere in the country.
Second, in preparation for DE this weekend at VIR
, I took my car in for Tech inspection. The shop found the following problems with my car (which I bought pre-certified and have put less than 2K miles on since purchase):1) Nail in brand new rear tire -- not covered by warranty
2) RMS failure -- covered by warranty so NBD, but still
3) Severely shredded clutch -- not covered by warranty
The dealer is trying to work with me on the clutch, which is not covered by pre-cert warranty (considered wear and tear). My point to the dealer was that I bought pre-certified due to the 100 point inspection. They said that they do not remove engine to inspect clutch (only caught it due to removal to fix RMS). I said that there is no way that I shredded the clutch in less than 2K miles. They said that they would 1) not charge labor; 2) will not seek to profit off of the parts; and 3) will pick up 50% of the no-profit cost of part. I guess that is OK.
On the bright side, better to catch the clutch now rather than on the track or off somewhere in the country.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 851
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From: Toronto, Canada
I didn't think they had to remove the engine on an '02 to check the clutch? However, sounds like they are being fair. Good thing you didn't buy the car from a Ford dealer or something ( couldn't resist, sorry)
Thread Starter
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Originally Posted by carbon_00
I didn't think they had to remove the engine on an '02 to check the clutch? However, sounds like they are being fair. Good thing you didn't buy the car from a Ford dealer or something ( couldn't resist, sorry)
Also, it has the added benefit of getting me closer to escaping that dreaded continued prosperity. A few more visits to OG racing and Tech inspections like this, and I should be totally happy.
Menace to Society
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Glendale, CA
1/2 the price of a clutch seems good to me.
Consider it an "upgrade" over the used clutch you would get with any used car.
Lucky for you, the RMS leak revealed it. Could have been a repair 100% on your dime otherwise.
Consider it an "upgrade" over the used clutch you would get with any used car.
Lucky for you, the RMS leak revealed it. Could have been a repair 100% on your dime otherwise.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 44
From: SF bay area
Actually this is your lucky day for the RMS
This is not so bad since you get a clutch service for the price of a clutch disc.
While the Transmission is out for the RMS, make sure that they replace the Intermediate shaft Seal and "O" ring as well. It is right below the RMS, and fails as often as the RMS. Good thing this is the perfect time to swap out a clutch disc, as it has to be removed anyway to get at the RMS. While they have it apart, make sure they also check the throwout bearing. It should not make any noise at all when it is spun by hand. If it does make noise, have them change that as well.
Lastly make sure they put a fresh supply of oil in the car.
On your tire, if the nail is in the tread, just have a internal patch done. Unless you plan on driving at 90 mph for 10 hours, a patch is a safe and economical solution.
While the Transmission is out for the RMS, make sure that they replace the Intermediate shaft Seal and "O" ring as well. It is right below the RMS, and fails as often as the RMS. Good thing this is the perfect time to swap out a clutch disc, as it has to be removed anyway to get at the RMS. While they have it apart, make sure they also check the throwout bearing. It should not make any noise at all when it is spun by hand. If it does make noise, have them change that as well.
Lastly make sure they put a fresh supply of oil in the car.
On your tire, if the nail is in the tread, just have a internal patch done. Unless you plan on driving at 90 mph for 10 hours, a patch is a safe and economical solution.
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Thread Starter
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Originally Posted by Orient Express
This is not so bad since you get a clutch service for the price of a clutch disc.
While the Transmission is out for the RMS, make sure that they replace the Intermediate shaft Seal and "O" ring as well. It is right below the RMS, and fails as often as the RMS. Good thing this is the perfect time to swap out a clutch disc, as it has to be removed anyway to get at the RMS. While they have it apart, make sure they also check the throwout bearing. It should not make any noise at all when it is spun by hand. If it does make noise, have them change that as well.
Lastly make sure they put a fresh supply of oil in the car.
On your tire, if the nail is in the tread, just have a internal patch done. Unless you plan on driving at 90 mph for 10 hours, a patch is a safe and economical solution.
While the Transmission is out for the RMS, make sure that they replace the Intermediate shaft Seal and "O" ring as well. It is right below the RMS, and fails as often as the RMS. Good thing this is the perfect time to swap out a clutch disc, as it has to be removed anyway to get at the RMS. While they have it apart, make sure they also check the throwout bearing. It should not make any noise at all when it is spun by hand. If it does make noise, have them change that as well.
Lastly make sure they put a fresh supply of oil in the car.
On your tire, if the nail is in the tread, just have a internal patch done. Unless you plan on driving at 90 mph for 10 hours, a patch is a safe and economical solution.
TD
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 44
From: SF bay area
Trust them, Tire patches are safe economical solutions
Go to a good tire store that deals in performance tires to have the repair done (Or have your dealer do the repair while the car is offline for the RMS). Personally I have driven tens of thousands of miles on tires that have been patched or plugged with no ill effects. In fact I do my own tire plugs on my lower performance cars. In 35 years of driving all sorts of cars at all speeds, I have never had a tire failure because of a patch.
The culprit in tire failures today is under inflation because of inattention to tire pressure. Under inflated tires will get too hot, which will cause the tire casing to fail.
Because a tire patch is glued to the inside of the casing, it is unlikely that it will come off. It is also very unlikely that a tire will fail because of a simple tread puncture. It will just slowly go flat.
As long as you check your tires air pressure at least once a month you will be just fine. In the unlikely situation that the patch does start to leak, you will be able to catch it before you drive on an under-inflated tire.
However it is your money, so you should do what you feel comfortable with.
The culprit in tire failures today is under inflation because of inattention to tire pressure. Under inflated tires will get too hot, which will cause the tire casing to fail.
Because a tire patch is glued to the inside of the casing, it is unlikely that it will come off. It is also very unlikely that a tire will fail because of a simple tread puncture. It will just slowly go flat.
As long as you check your tires air pressure at least once a month you will be just fine. In the unlikely situation that the patch does start to leak, you will be able to catch it before you drive on an under-inflated tire.
However it is your money, so you should do what you feel comfortable with.
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Unfortunately, I have to use my daily driver as my track car (live in Georgetown and lucky to have two-car garage but still no space for track car) and also must drive it to the track, so I do not use special track tires. Most tech inspection forms forbid plugs, so I cannot rely on that.
In the end though, it is all about comfort. I had a plugged tire blowout on my high school car (64 1/2 Mustang with factory air), and it scared the ^&* out of me. Since then, I have not really trusted them.
TD
In the end though, it is all about comfort. I had a plugged tire blowout on my high school car (64 1/2 Mustang with factory air), and it scared the ^&* out of me. Since then, I have not really trusted them.
TD
Thread Starter
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Originally Posted by Paul Marangoni
I've had numerous tires patched, with no problems (street and track), but in the back of my mind, there was always doubt.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 851
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From: Toronto, Canada
When your doing tyre saftey I don't think you can be cautious enough. Many accidents by regular drivers could be avoided if they checked the pressure and wear on their tyres. I think the majority of drivers NEVER check their tyres...I have seen some horror shows rolling along on the highway...and track
Race Car
Joined: Jul 2002
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sounds like they are a good dealer, and not shafting you like many frequently do to NEW buyers, much less preowned.
leon, i believe he is paying only about 30% of the clutches cost, since the dealer is selling the part to him at 50% of THEIR cost.
leon, i believe he is paying only about 30% of the clutches cost, since the dealer is selling the part to him at 50% of THEIR cost.