May 18-20 First Settlers PCA - VIR Full
05-18-2012, 08:46 PM
#16
05-18-2012, 09:38 PM
#17
Drifting
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No chance; no parts available tomorrow, but we don't know exactly what we'll need anyway, so no rush. Its going to turn into a 'while you're in there' kind of repair anyway.
05-20-2012, 04:53 PM
#21
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No indication that anything was wrong until I was ~15min into the session. I was having a hard time shifting into 3rd going into T1, then in the same lap it was getting notchy elsewhere so I decided to come in. Once in, I could not get the tranny to go into gear, unless I turned off the engine, then the I could shift normally.
If I put the tranny into gear with the engine off, then started it, I could not get it out of gear, without turning off the engine. At that point I decided to call AAA for the tow, and then called my dealer to talk to my usual tech for ideas and to tell them to expect it and to get it inside. AA showed up in about an hour, and the car was at the dealer about 1.5 hours after that. That’s where I’m at right now.
The plan is to diagnose and then repair and/or replace all that I can while I’m in there so as to not have to spend the labor to drop the tranny again anytime soon. Based on the conversation I had with my tech, the guess is something clutch or pressure plate related and not tranny related.
I’ve got the OEM RS flywheel / clutch / PP combo, so I need to get out my paperwork from ‘Sloth’, the PO that had everything documented at his dealer, and get that info to my dealer in case they need any of it.
I've had much worse weekends at the track, so while I missed most of my driving weekend, I didn't bend any body work, and I got to hang out with frineds, and even drive a couple of their cars; Dell's 7-3.1 and a mostly stock Miata.
Oh, and I just signed up for my next event in 2 weeks back at VIR......gotta get some seat time....
05-20-2012, 04:56 PM
#22
Nordschleife Master
05-20-2012, 08:18 PM
#24
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Sounds like pp to me. I grenaded my new 3.8 rsr pp 2nd session in dramatic 5-2 shift. Same symptoms but mine was toasted rt away. Did not have trailer at that time so it was on a flatbed too- ruined my weekend but as u said could be worse. Hopefully it's just that- get it replaced and get back on track soon : ). Mike
05-21-2012, 05:26 PM
#25
Drifting
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My Clutch Issue, Resolved
Just got back from the dealer. Here’s what we found when the transmission was separated from the motor and dropped.
Best guess is that a mouse/mice carried insulation into the transmission, through one of the two vent tubes, and when driven, the insulation was spun around, including in between the PP and clutch. I've never seen any mice in the garage, and don't perceive to have a mouse problem, so I'm scratching my head a little. I drive the GT3 every weekend
We are investigating putting some kind of screen or mesh over the vent tubes before complete reassembly. I’ll also put out some kill bait.
Clutch looks to be in good condition (1.7mm and 1.65mm) so it will get cleaned up and reused. We did discover however that one of the springs was broken on the PP. I investigated / considered going with a 4.0 PP, but decided against it with no true pay off for my needs; another stock 996 GT3 PP is on order.
Also going to replace the release / throwout bearing; mine was in good shape, but had a little play and sound to it, so replacing it.
So, in the big picture, I'm pleased that it was just something stupid. Incredible
Vent Tube Access (1 of 2)
Broken Spring on PP
Best guess is that a mouse/mice carried insulation into the transmission, through one of the two vent tubes, and when driven, the insulation was spun around, including in between the PP and clutch. I've never seen any mice in the garage, and don't perceive to have a mouse problem, so I'm scratching my head a little. I drive the GT3 every weekend
We are investigating putting some kind of screen or mesh over the vent tubes before complete reassembly. I’ll also put out some kill bait.
Clutch looks to be in good condition (1.7mm and 1.65mm) so it will get cleaned up and reused. We did discover however that one of the springs was broken on the PP. I investigated / considered going with a 4.0 PP, but decided against it with no true pay off for my needs; another stock 996 GT3 PP is on order.
Also going to replace the release / throwout bearing; mine was in good shape, but had a little play and sound to it, so replacing it.
So, in the big picture, I'm pleased that it was just something stupid. Incredible
Vent Tube Access (1 of 2)
Broken Spring on PP
05-21-2012, 06:08 PM
#27
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Maybe there was insulation inside vent tubes already there. Did u see rat poop any where? That's a incredible story. That's alot of insulation. Maybe previous owner/mechanic put insulation inside so nothing goes in. Mike
05-22-2012, 08:53 AM
#28
Drifting
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You mean from the factory? No, these are vent tubes.
I seriously doubt it. Judging by the service history, Max (Sloth) was very by the book, and the car was only serviced by Porsche dealerships.
I purchased a cool little mouse trap last night ( ). We'll see if I catch anything. I also considered getting some snakes, but the wife said no.
I purchased a cool little mouse trap last night ( ). We'll see if I catch anything. I also considered getting some snakes, but the wife said no.
05-22-2012, 09:05 AM
#29
Women...
