- Joined
- 27 June 2003
- Messages
- 1,197
sjs said:No offense to apapada but I state a few things differently.
No offense taken. This is the type of info exchange that makes these boards so great.
At that point, I'm afraid that a clutch longevity is the least of one's worries, don't you ?Originally posted by sjs
especially those with carbon buildup, too much ignition advance around idle, over heating, crappy gas, lean mixture, "lugging" it, or a combination of these and other conditions.

If my description could be misleading, I'm glad you clearified this point.Originally posted by sjs
Yes the clutch is designed to slip, but your explanation of it's purpose in life could be misleading. It is designed to slip slightly to smooth the transition as you couple the engine flywheel to the input shaft of the transmission. That should occur only while the clutch pedal is in motion, but your description makes it sound more like a torque converter. I know what you mean, but a newbie might think it slips during other times to sync up the engine and tranny.
I respectfully disagree on this point. Although I recognize that the test I propose might not be the "best" as you put it, I would positively recommend against anyone trying the "test" you are prescribing. The simple fact of the matter is that such a test would be extremelly dangerous for a "novice" (as you put it) performing such a manoeuvre cruising at 4500 RPM in 4th or 5th gear and stepping on the brake while accelerating, if not completely illegal (how fast is an 5spd or 6spd going in 4th or 5th at 4500RPM anyway?). Eventhough not the "best test" out there, the one I'm proposing can be performed legally anywhere SAFELY (no motion involved) and does not involve high speeds like the one you are suggesting. just my $0.02Originally posted by sjs
The problem with most "tests" you can tell people to run is that they won't do it right and cause still more wear. Your rest in particular is a bad one. Someone with a feel for it knows when it happens anyway, but perhaps a better test is to drive along in 4th or 5th gear at ~4500 RPM, press hard on the accelerator and firmly enough on the brake to begin slowing the car. Then again, a novice may not recognize the slip and end up smoking the clutch further.