Steve's MLC

Hey guys,

I had my IMS/RMS/Water Pump and clutch done today. I pulled into the garage and the burning smell was intense. I just got the car a few days ago and I will freely admit that I suck at driving this baby. Is it normal for a new clutch to have this smell, or is my driving that awful? Any tips welcome.

PS. My IMS was fine with no issues. Preventative maint.

KrazyK

Steve,
Who did the work? Porsche dealer or Indy? Call and ask them but make them deal with it since you paid for it to be right. I would not drive it until you speak to them. You didnt have this burning clutch smell problem on your road trip so how could it be your driving style? Even dealers make mistakes, leave out parts, and mess up. This is exactly why NO ONE works on my car but me. No one cares about your car as much as you do.

street rod

I would say its not normal. After putting in my new clutch there was no different smell at all. If you are having trouble engaging it smoothly that could be what you smell. I let my sister drive my 951 one time and could smell the clutch burning big time. That was her last drive.

healey1968

Steve,

It could be a couple things. First, the new pressure plate comes from the factory with a thin layer of oil on it to prevent rust. Typically you'd use brake clean to wipe it off before installation. I could see this stuff burning and smelling pretty bad if it was left on, but it would go away pretty soon.

Second they may have left some parts out. Maybe they didn't torque the pressure plate down enough and the clutch is naturally slipping? Maybe the slave cylinder isn't depressing/releasing enough. Somebody whose driving a similar car would notice a difference if this was the problem.

Third - it might be you. Even after owning many manual cars, my 996 gave me a little trouble at first - especially on hills.

No matter what, I think the dealership that did the work should help you out. They know what the car should drive like and how it should smell.

Good luck.
Ben

Steve's MLC

Thanks guys. Indy here in Dallas with great reputation. RAC. The Tech was very thorough from what I could tell. I watched him torque it down. I will call and get their opinion in the morning.

KrazyK

I forgot you were by RAC. Im very surprised that they messed up but you never know. Tell Hans hello. Those guys are awesome.

jasper

What's the chance it isn't a clutch smell at all but rather the very normal smell of burning rubber/cosmoline that is discussed quite a bit?

We all smell rubber burning after even a moderately spirited drive on dry roads in these things. Perhaps this is the first time you've noticed? How long have you had the car?

Nothing at all to worry about if that's the case.

Hurdigurdiman

Maybe a dodgy Clutch release/throw out bearing.

Imo000

Maybe let the shop have a look at it before start linching them for a bad job.

Barn996

+1

porrsha

Hmmmmmm, what's that all about?

Steve's MLC

I agree. I am absolutely not trying to undermine the shop. I have the utmost respect for those guys. Very professional. The tech had over a decade of experience and had done the IMS/RMS/clutch job more times than he could count.

I am much more assuming it's me than them. I will call them later. Hans told me clearly they stand behind their work.

Check out the company I was with. Two Lambos and a Ferrari.

ivangene

new clutch and new brakes smell until they get broke in

I want to know - when taking off from a dead stop what RPM would you guess you are at and how long until the clutch is fully released

the best way to work on that is find a big open space and spend about 30 minutes doing the following:
dead stop
first gear
right foot can ONLY touch brake pedal - ONLY
release the clutch until it is fully out (controlling the cars motion and engine rpm with the release)
push clutch to floor
stop (right foot on brake)

repeat for 30 minutes (like 30-60 times)

you do NOT get to use any gas for this - in 30 minutes you will have it figured out - have taught many teens this and to this day they come back and say how helpful that has been for them - most are very good stick drivers and when they leave I can tell by listening to how they release their clutch

KrazyK

That just crazy. Mine doesnt smell like burned anything after driving.

Burnt smell indicates too much slipping or something wrong (clutch not brakes). Ive never had this problem.

Im sure Hans and RAC will help. Hope he contacts them soon and this doesnt turn into another Speo thread for a new owner.

Sneaky Pete

Me thinks you douth not know what you speakith of.