Had to back the car up a hill the other day for a long way and there was a truly horrible burning smell afterwards. I'm thinking the process may have badly worn out the clutch as now, whilst the forward changes seem fine, reversing up even slight hills requires way too many revs as (I think) the clutch just slips and slips. I've no confidence it would backup a steep hill at all. Be grateful for thoughts/experience on this before my dealer rubs his hands with glee and my wallet weeps. Is this the classic sign of a terminal clutch or could it be even worse? The car's an 04 F1 with about 14k miles. Dan
sounds like a clutch to me. Find a good independed, there are lots in the UK, should be about 1/2 dealer price. Good luck
Since my post I've had no issues with it, could the clutch have self-adjusted to compensate for wear?
Reversing uphill is usually accompanied by some burning smell. My car always feels reluctant to reverse uphill and requiring revs - even when the clutch is new The F1 is is self learning and self adjusting so it could be your answer My clutch had to be replaced at 16,000. I could have carried on for a little longer at the risk of wearing of the flywheel as well so could not see a point.
Backing up hill tends to create a bit of this smell. Put the car in 6th gear at 35-40mph and press the gas pedal down..that will tell you if your clutch is slipping. You do tend to get some smell from backing up steap hills..
Well it passes that test so I guess I can stop worrying Many thanks for all your thoughts chaps! The June monsoon has now stopped here so I'm finally getting some very enjoyable driving done
