Clutch Gone?

[BadCarma]

Hi,I am a new NSX owner.after several months I finally found a 91 5 speed black.I have had her for 6 weeks and must admit put some 'hard miles' on her.nothing crazy but lets say aggressive street always safely.I have never raced it or redlined it.on the way home from my local race track street tuners night (tonight,watching not racing)normal driving I noticed while cruising at 60 when I gave a little peddle the rpms came up fast and high but no exceleration at the wheels.when I hit my first redlight engaging first the rpms would go up to 5,6 grand and the car barely wanted to move. dogging heavy.also a strong burning smell from the rear.opened the engine compartment at the nearest service station and the burning smell was strong in the motor compartment but the engine was only warm.no coolant overflow and heat indicator normal.drove a half a mile to my house stopped on my street and let out the clutch to first gear she limped down my street at 5 grand never getting above 5 mph.is this a burnt clutch?tranny?I have never owned a car this excellent and am freaked right now any help please
thanks David

 

[BadCarma]

I left this out in my original post.I do not have a car that falls in the snap ring failure vin area FYI

 

[johndoh]

Your description sounds exactly like a worn out clutch. I'm guessing that your clutch was already starting to slip prior to tonight, but you just weren't aware of it yet. At the first sign of slipping, you have about 1-2 weeks before it gets really bad(like your scenerio). The first thing to do is to not drive your car and if you do, keep the rpms down. Your clutch is already slipping and keeping the rpm high while driving will wear out your clutch much much faster. It sure sounds like your clutch is nearly gone and you don't want to drive it more than you absolutely have to, or you will end up scorching your clutch and possibly do more damage. If you were not able to go any faster than 5mph, you are not going to be able to make to any place to get your clutch replaced. You will have to get the car towed.

I would recommend paying the premimum and getting a new clutch from the dealership unless someone else in your area can recommend a trustworthy shop. You can check the FAQ section for estimate on prices. It's probably an all day job.

 

[nsxtasy]

The clutch replacement should run $2000 to $2400.

Depending on where you take it, keep in mind that several of the Acura dealers in Florida offer discounts to members of the NSX Club of America, including 15 percent off parts and service at Crown Acura in Clearwater and Ferman Acura in Tampa. The discount on a clutch replacement could more than pay for the membership. Click here for information on joining. If you pay using Paypal or if you fax your membership application using a credit card, it's usually processed within 24 hours.

 

[CityofAngels]

I would agree the clutch is REALLY worn out. It could also be floating in oil but you would see other signs of leakage if that were the case.

I hope the rivets in the clutch plate have not ground grooves into the pressure plates and fly wheel. It's these rivets that end up grinding away since the friction material wears faster than the metal rivets.

Glad you didn't get a "snap ring" tranny. I did and have replaced the outer housing and such after it broke but didn't "grind."