Clutch Issues - Got an Opinion?

[ctgriffi]

Recently, I've noticed that my clutch is slipping some in higher gears (3rd, 4th, mostly). This seems to happen later in the day—when it's hot and I've been driving it around a lot. Drives much better (and quicker) in the morning when it's cold, and doesn't seem to slip at all then.

I did change the MT fluid a few thousand back with cheap 75W-90 stuff, and I'm wondering if I need to drain and refill with better quality fluid (?), OR do I probably just need a new clutch? I'm prepared to tackle either scenario, but I'd appreciate some educated guesses on the front end.

[mrlieu]

sounds like its overheating

[subspec]

Does your rpm go up then drop back off? If so its your clutch

[ctgriffi]

Originally Posted by subspec

Does your rpm go up then drop back off? If so its your clutch

Yes, it does—that's what I meant when I said it was slipping. Doesn't do it all the time, only after the car's been driven awhile and is fully warmed up. (Yes, I'm totally repeating my first post in this thread...nuts.)

[mrlieu]

when was the last time the clutch was changed? Sounds like you need a new one, the only other thing I can think of is the throw out bearing.

[subspec]

Originally Posted by ctgriffi

(Yes, I'm totally repeating my first post in this thread...nuts.)

Go ahead and be a dick, i was trying to find out exact information, but good luck on your issue, i refuse to help dipshit know it all noobs

[sebb27]

nothing more then the clutch my friend.

[ctgriffi]

Originally Posted by subspec

Go ahead and be a d...

Hey, no disrespect intended...just felt like I was spinning my wheels there for a bit, trying to get this thread moving. I've been following your 5sgte project from the beginning and am hoping for another update over at IP.com soon—like many others, I'm sure.

I may have not been clear enough on the front end: I know that what I'm experiencing is a slipping clutch. I was just wondering if lousy MT fluid could be exacerbating the problem. (?) Or, is that a totally unrelated issue?

Sounds like the answer is...fluid is irrelevant—you need a clutch. Got it.

[subspec]

whats probably happened was this. your clutch is glazed. or your flywheel has "spots in it", im leaning towards glazed.

[ctgriffi]

Hey, good news (for me anyway)..I think I found the problem: While the clutch itself is non-adjustable, the clutch pedal is. So, I discovered that there wasn't enough "play" in the pushrod going into the clutch master cylinder. I loosened the lock nut, gave the rod a few turns, and this introduced a little slack into the system—gave the clutch the opportunity to fully engage.

I did replace the master and slave cylinders a few months back, and I think that might be when the slipping problem started (didn't set the pushrod quite right), although it was only ever noticeable when the car was warmed up and the outside temp in the 90s+.

Driving much, much better now, and I haven't felt any slipping for a few days.