Clutch question - you guys can help I hope - thank you in advance

[jk38]

Hi

I'd really appreciate any help on this - I have a 1996 3.0 NSX-T which has done 38,000 miles.

I'm beginning to notice a touch of clutch slip occassionally (not all the time) under hard acceleration. My questions are as follows :-

- Should a clutch be needed after 38,000 miles usually ?

- If the clutch isn't worn out what else could be causing occassional slip, (I have checked pedal play and I have some free play on the piston into master cylinder/pedal as I believe is correct ?

- If I do need to replace the clutch, I read somewhere I have to also replace the flywheel, can someone verify this fact and explain why?

- If I do need a new clutch and flywheel, can I skim the old flywheel (on my lathe) and re-install it ?

-If I can skim, can I lighten and balance it while I'm at it - if so by how much ?

- While I have to do the clutch, should I do timing belts and coolant hoses and anything else while it's striped down?

- Are there any instructions on here for all/any of the above ?

Again I am reasonably handy with engines and machining, but I appreciate the advice of the experienced guys I read post from on here - thank you in advance

Thanks jk38

 

[nsxtasy]

I'm beginning to notice a touch of clutch slip occassionally (not all the time) under hard acceleration. My questions are as follows :-

- Should a clutch be needed after 38,000 miles usually ?

The most common mileage at which NSX clutches need replacing is 40-60K. Some go at under 25K miles, others last 90K or more - I can only guess that the variability is primarily due to how they are driven - but 38K is not unusual at all. In fact, that's exactly how many miles mine went out at.

- If the clutch isn't worn out what else could be causing occassional slip, (I have checked pedal play and I have some free play on the piston into master cylinder/pedal as I believe is correct ?

I know that slipping is most often due to the clutch being worn, but I'll let the more technical folks answer this and some of your other tech questions.

- While I have to do the clutch, should I do timing belts and coolant hoses and anything else while it's striped down?

I don't think there are any big labor savings in doing that at the same time as the clutch. (Again, more technical folks should feel free to jump in.) However, if you need any transmission work, do it when replacing the clutch. For example, take a good look at the teeth on the hub selectors and synchros, and replace any that look worn.

- Are there any instructions on here for all/any of the above ?

The service manual contains excellent instructions. There's a .pdf version on this site (look in the FAQ, in the Reference section). But if you're going to do much work on your own car, you're really better off getting the actual manual, which is a lot handier than trying to look at a computer screen. You can buy one here.

 

[ffffanman]

Nice answers, This nsxtasy guy is good!!!!
Science of Speed has a new product, Clutch that is, check them out.
Might be the right price for you. Also email Chris with some of your quesitons on machining, he will help you out there.
My clutch has been replace atleast 3 times in 160,000 kilometers.
Someone was being hard on it back in the day no doubt.
I really dont think you want to mess around with machine'n and stuff like that.
The Nsx is a pretty precise car.
Now gutting the muffler, well, thats a different story!!!
Trev

 

[Larry Bastanza]

38K miles, is nsxtasy said, is not too bad.

Remember this is a dual plate clutch, so to "machine" this clutch correctly you have 4 surfaces to rework.

The OEM clutch comes as a complete set, Flywheel, 2 Clutch Disks, Intermediate Plate, and Pressure Plate. Throw out bearing is additional.

The SoS clutch mentioned above is a Centerforce rebuild. It is excellent IMO and I have installed many, no problems, very relaible. I have them in CTSC's cars that see mostly track miles and they work well.

Most clutch issues, and overall clutch life, are directly related to the driver, exactly like brakes. Of course with the exception of the clutch master cylinder which is a cronic failure.

JMO,
LarryB

 

[ffffanman]

Oh, ya! Then there is that smarty pants guy named Larry B.
He knows everything about everthing.
He even told me what dishwasher detergent to use in my maytag model 5421 unit!
He's always there lurking for us.
From all the research I've done when my clutch was going south, Stock Acura is the way to go unless you've got tons of power to tame.
Trev
Thanks Larry B.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

So how is that Maytag working?

Regards,
LarryB

 

[FIGHTERCAR]

Larry Bastanza is a Godsend.

We're so darn lucky to get his free advice...and also so many other folks that make this so great.

 

[ffffanman]

Washer is running smooth as silk undies!
Trev

 

[jk38]

The OEM clutch comes as a complete set, Flywheel, 2 Clutch Disks, Intermediate Plate, and Pressure Plate. Throw out bearing is additional.

The SoS clutch mentioned above is a Centerforce rebuild. It is excellent IMO and I have installed many, no problems, very relaible. I have them in CTSC's cars that see mostly track miles and they work well.

M
JMO,
LarryB

Larry - please can you tell me more about SOS clutch ?

(That isn't the oem kit right ?)

Does it come with flywheel, pressure plate, intermediate plate ?

Can I buy it in the UK do you know - if so where ?

Again thanks for your help everyone :smile:

John

 

[nsxtasy]

Larry - please can you tell me more about SOS clutch ?

(That isn't the oem kit right ?)

Does it come with flywheel, pressure plate, intermediate plate ?

Can I buy it in the UK do you know - if so where ?

I bet all your questions can be answered, either on the Science of Speed website, or by contacting Science of Speed...