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360 F1 auto mode clutch burn

Discussion in '360/430' started by 360drvr, Sep 19, 2009.

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  1. 360drvr

    360drvr Rookie

    Apr 30, 2005
    17
    #1 360drvr, Sep 19, 2009
    I just acquired a 2004 360 with 5,800 miles with an F1 transmission. I was trying out the auto mode yesterday. From a stand still, pulling into traffic, I accelerated quickly. I looked in the rear view mirror and noticed trailing blue smoke. Thought it was from the tires, but after parking the car about five minutes later, there was a strong smell of metallic. So, I'm pretty sure it was the clutch that had been scorched.

    Is this clutch slippage common when driving in auto mode? Should I be concerned that it even happened? IMO that's what auto mode is all about - operating the clutch properly.

    Btw, I switched back to manual mode and the car shifts fine.
     
  2. tazz99

    tazz99 F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 16, 2007
    4,451
    Kennesaw, GA
    Full Name:
    Seth
    #2 tazz99, Sep 19, 2009
    In auto or manual the clutch slippage would be the exact same as you accelerate from a stop.

    The key making the clutch last is to accelerate gently until the clutch fully hooks up then jump on it, if you must.
     
  3. Camdon53

    Camdon53 Formula Junior

    Jul 18, 2006
    507
    Texas, USA
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #3 Camdon53, Sep 21, 2009
    The 360 F1 "Auto mode" uses exactly the same software as "Standard mode" with paddles so clutch slippage and wear are identical. You couldn't make the clutch behave differently in auto mode if you wanted. The only difference between auto mode and standard mode paddles is who decides when to shift -- the computer decides in auto mode while the driver decides with standard mode paddles.

    New drivers sometimes confuse auto mode with "Low traction mode" (perhaps because the buttons are close together on the center console?). Low traction mode (which uses same software as reverse) definitely DOES eat the clutch although trailing blue smoke from burning a clutch seems unlikely. Stay away from low traction mode but use auto mode whenever it's convenient without fear of undue clutch slippage.

    By far the most clutch wear in a 360 F1 is from standstill. As tazz99 says, simply start out reasonably and feather the throttle slightly until full engagement. Then off you go. Congratulations on your choice of a great car!
     
    Meuni011 likes this.
  4. Apple Sauce

    Apple Sauce Formula Junior

    Jun 30, 2008
    626
    Wide Open Throttle
    Full Name:
    Vic
    #4 Apple Sauce, Sep 21, 2009
    I would add to the thread that one must be thoughtful of where or how you park the car. Try to avoid parking where you must back-up a steep incline, which minimizes the extraordinary wear on the clutch from slippage. Yes, this is just one idiosyncrasy of owning these early generation F1 cars.

    Blue smoke?-- sounds like an extra oil consumption. Is your oil tank perhaps overfilled?

    —Vic in Seattle
     
  5. 360drvr

    360drvr Rookie

    Apr 30, 2005
    17
    #5 360drvr, Sep 23, 2009
    Since I'm a new Ferrari owner, I probably overreacted with my concern. It was only my 3rd time out with the car.

    I talked with the Service Coordinator at FoA. Bottom line, he said what happened is normal and to be expected when driving in auto mode. Blue smoke likely from the tires and clutch probably heated up from the fast shifting. I asked his opinion about driving in auto mode. Basically he said to drive in auto mode only in those situations when it is inconvenient to shift such as when you want to drink a cup of coffee, etc... Guess I'm not going to be driving in auto mode much ;-)
     

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