Testarossa clutch

Clay,
If you're not sure the oil level is correct, just check it.
However, a low oil level or air in the system would cause a problem with dis-engaging the clutch, not engaging it.
It seems like something is sticking, maybe the throw out bearing, and not sliding back to let the clutch engage when you release the pedal.
I'm sure you'll have plenty of answers, so don't panic just yet.
John

 

Just a guess, but maybe the clutch is worn to a point wher it wont grab until it expands due to heat. As its slipping its getting very hot and probably growing just enough to grab.

I have never understood the short clutch life on Ferrari cars. Is it due to there small diameter? I have had clutches in other cars last the lifetime of the car.

 

If your fluids are normal levels, your TO bearing is sticking. I had the same issue it got worse within time. Don't go to far without having it inspected.

 

Dear Ferraristi,

Lets start simple. If you have some mechanical expertise, you should bleed the clutch line thoroughly. The fluid at the back of the clutch is right next to the exhaust system and is in a very harsh environment. Even though it may be clear at the reservoir, it will be pitch black at the bell housing.

Bleed the system with new fluid until clear fluid comes out the bleed screw.


Now, you say your fluids were at a "minimum" Fill to max and see if the level goes down.

Report back and tell us what you find.


Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice !

 

Dear Ferraristi,

OK, you can bleed the clutch by yourself. I just bought a pump bleeder from Griot's garage and it sure make life easy but you can do the clutch old school.

The reservoir for the brakes and clutch are one. Use Valvoline synthetic DOT 3/4 That's a good all round fluid...recommended by Evans Automotive ( #1 Lamborghini shop on the east coast)

When you bleed the clutch, make sure the fluid is kept up to the top. When you pull the carpet back over the reservoir, you Will see the clutch line (very close to the top of the reservoir) go to the master cylinder.

At the back of the bell housing, attach a line to the bleeder and end in an old bottle...Starbucks frappichino bottle works well.

Make sure you have some fluid in the bottom of the bottle. This way, fluid may be sucked back up the line...not air.

After you have the above set up, open the bleeder screw a small amount. Pump the clutch...NOT the brakes ....and watch the level drop. As soon as it drops the slightest, fill to the brim and pump again. You will keep doing this until the fluid coming out is ABSOLUTELY clear.

Try the above and report back. Also, while you're near the bell housing...look for any fluid dripping out the bottom of the bellhousing. If so...you have a blown slave cylinder seal. Not really a big deal...but first things first....



Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice !

 

Damn if that is not a great description. Well done.

That's part of why this place is great. While I am not a very experienced mechanic, I can make any thing from wood and know how tools and machines work.

With guidance like this I will not hesitate to work on my Ferrari when it arrives, soon I hope. As in this year.

It will be a TR or Mondial, two totally differnt cars, both horsies.

 

Yes, sounds just like mine. Don't panic, TO is not expensive and it is easy to repair. You will not need to replace your clutch in most casses.

 

That is a wonderfully clear and precise instruction on bleeding the clutch.
But for a clutch that won't engage when you release the pedal, I don't believe it will fix the situation.
Basically, if you didn't have a drop of oil in your clutch system, the clutch would still be fully engaged, and wouldn't release when you pushed in the clutch pedal.

So go ahead and bleed it as Shamile suggests, and if it works, Great!

If that doesn't work, it can't be too hard to figure out as the clutch system isn't that complicated.
Pushing the clutch pedal in simply pressurizes oil to to slide the throw-out bearing forward into the fingers on the pressure plate to release the clutch.
Letting out on the clutch pedal simply releases the pressure on the oil, which allows the throw-out bearing to slide back, which in turn releases the pressure on the pressure plate fingers, and allows the clutch to engage.

With the above in mind, if the clutch is not engaging when you let out on the pedal, either of these three are a possibility;
For some reason, the throw out bearing is not sliding back to allow the clutch to engage.

There is an obstruction in the oil line that is not allowing the pressurized oil to de-pressureize thus allowing the clutch to engage when you let up on the pedal.

The clutch itself is fried, and there is not enough friction material on it to allow reliable engagement.

Let us know the result of the system bleeding, and we'll go from there..

If you're not familar with the clutch set up, look through this thread. It's obviously a Boxer, and the throw out bearing is somewhat different, but it'll give you a basic idea.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168509&highlight=Clutch+Replacement

John

 

Dear Ferraristi,

Hi JTR, I agree something is binding up but I like to eliminate the small stuff first. I think that it's odd that the clutch is slipping...especially at that low mileage.
Even if you had fluid leakage, this would affect the release as there's not enough fluid to push the clutch fingers completely in. Since the clutch fingers push back on the TO Bearing.... If the slide was hanging up, I would imagine, the downward pressure on the clutch pedal would be significant??

Let's see what comes out of the clutch bleed line. I change all my fluids (except oil and gear) once a year. You wouldn't believe how black the clutch fluid is at the rear...while the reservoir is totally clear.

Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice !

 

Rubber seals inside the clutch housing gave way spewing fluid all over the clutch and plates causing slippage.. I would follow as Shamile stated then if that does not work disassemble and see what you got.. I would not be so quick to buy a clutch at this time. Did you look in the peep hole to see if its moist with fluid? I hope all goes well.. Keep us posted.

R

 

Shamile, yes, I agree 100% that would cause a problem Releasing the clutch, (like to shift gears).

The way I read the problem is that Clay is having trouble Engaging the clutch, (to make the car go)?

Maybe I'm reading his post wrong? (wouldn't be the first time!)

John

 

Clay, I live in Auburn and used to own an 88.5 and just sold my 360. I have worked on these for a while and would be happy to help. PM me anytime.

 

Any updates? I'm having a very similar problem on my 85 with 27k miles. It's acting if something is not allowing the TO bearing to release. Any experiences????

 

Just open it !! And have a look ....

 

Once your in there Clay you might just find its a simple case of greasing the splined shaft, lets hope so.

P

 

This is how a Throw-Out bearing (dirty here !!) looks like ....
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