Clutch problems !!!

[Gambit]

Ok,
so I have about 92,000 miles on the gst, assuming it is probably still the stock clutch. It has always been almost of the floor and semi-mushy since I've owned it (last year) It just decided to totaly fail the other day. try to start off from a stop, takes long time to engag, tried to go on express way, just revs to like 8G but no power to the wheels, so I coasted to side and had to be towed. there was white smoke pouring out between tranny and engine and an awfull smell, assuming this is just a clutch issue, but not sure if any other parts could have failed. Also what is a good prce to have a clutched changed, and does anyone know of a how-to to do it yourself link, and how much of a pain in the a** is it? I'm considering the act 2100, I only go to track maybe once a year, so I think a 2600 is unnessesary. Opinions on what is wrong or clutch recomedations?
Thanks

 

[CL MaNTis GST]

does it make any clicking sounds when idling and clutch pedal down?

 

[Gambit]

I don't know what kind of clicking sound you mean, but no I have'nt noticed any strange noises. I havn't driven it since then. Even if I start it and let it idle I can smell it burning and feel a slight high frequency vibration on the clutch pedal.

 

[CL MaNTis GST]

master cylinder is out...


does the clutch pedal stick?

 

[Gambit]

So is it just the master cyclinder, or is it the mc in addition to needing the entire clutch assembly replaced? It does not stick from what I have noticed, would it be doing that while depressed while idleing, or driving? I'm basically tring to figure out if I should go buy a clutch and have it installed, or have it checked out first to make sure there are no bigger problems with the tranny or god forbid crankwalk.

 

[Spidey]

You can try to adjust the rod for now, it's towards the top of the pedal. You just loosen the bolt that should be against the little plate up there, and twist the rod in or out accordingly. If you twist it towards the firewall(away from the pedal) the clutch will have a higher disengagement point(ie. causing slipping and not disengaging fully), this happened to me and after adjusting once and I just twisted the rod back towards the pedal a little bit and it stopped doing what you're describing(revving high and not moving, almost like in neutral).

HTH,
Spidey

 

[Gambit]

Just wanted to know if I had a sudden case of crankwalk, would it throw the clutch off and cause it to burn like that? I have heard a lot about possible causes of cw but no actuall serious symptoms when it occurs in full form. Does it just totally disable the car all together?
Also, do you think I need a new pressure plate, or could i possibly reuse the stock?

 

[JAYTEE]

To Gambit,
Crank walk does not appear all at once. It caused by thrust bearing
wear and/or crankshaft wear on the thrust surface, or both. This takes
place over a period of time. If you have a master cylinder failure, it
is far more likely that you would not be able to disengage the clutch;
rather than have it unable to engage. However, it is possible for the
master cylinder to bypass and become hydro-locked, which would
prevent the slave cylinder from returning to a closed position. You
should have a competent garage(dealer) look at the hydraulics before
you spend any big bucks.

 

[Gambit]

HERE"S AN UPDATE. I am a little more confident that the car does not have crank walk, i checked again and there is absolutley no clicking sound. I also noticed that the car does not stall when idling, even when the clutch is let go. This is strange, does this mean the clutch is now never in contact with the engine? I'm assuming the disk must be totally gone or too thin to do anything. or that either the master or slave cylinders are gone, any ideas?

 

[98talonAWD]

Hey Gambit what's goin on??? sounds like you just need a new clutch... when it was " burning off at idle" that is not good!!! that mean that your clutch is constantly slipping... so your material is probably no more!~

where in rochester do you live? i live on Rochester road, North of tienken. i just put a new ACT 2600 clutch in my car myself..... it's really not that hard. However... it does take some time, and a lot of patience! i did invent some new swear words!! : ) if you have any questions let me know!!!!

TIM