Analyze this...

Sounds like your clutch is slipping. Did you notice a burning smell when it happened?

 

With a Toyota accelerator pedal?

 

Clutch.

 

Clutch. Stop by Eric's today. We'll be there Stooging on his motor. I'll bring a disc for you. You can change it there.

 

Clutch is gone, I'm getting my clutch done next week. Alot people recommend that when doing your clutch you replace the OEM throw out bearing with a Hill Engineering part. Ricambi carriers them.

Good luck with the repairs.

 

I agree with the clutch diagnosis. Classic symptoms. As long as the throw out bearing and pressure plate don't fail, you'll still be able to shift.

Over time, you'll be able to transmit less and less power to the wheels before slippage occurs. Back off the throttle immediately when you feel this, then get back into the throttle softly and the clutch will hook-up again (analogous to spinning tires). You want to minimize the amount of time when the clutch is slipping. The remaining clutch material will go away fast if you drive it hard. Also, when it's actively slipping, the pressure plate and flywheel will experience rapid wear and heat as well. I would keep driving to a minimum until it's sorted. For now, it sounds like if you keep the RPMs below 3800 and stay out of the throttle, it's not slipping at all though, so not causing much additional wear.

Good luck!

 

There are only two possibilities: 1) tires are spinning on the road, 2) clutch is gone.

Its easy to determine which.

 

Well done and congrats! What part of the clutch did you have to replace? I have my car booked for next week for a clutch job, it's suffering the same symptoms and they've quoted me a whole bunch of possibilities.

 

This forum rocks. Kinda blows my mind that you've already got it sorted!

 

Geez, aren't you a speedy one, I think an outboard clutch makes it easier though!!

 

Agreed, nice work!

 

What a great way to spend the day - Rick was a real trooper and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and dig into his car. We have a new Stooge and anybody that brings a cooler full of beer to my place is always welcome to drop by!

A huge thanks to Bruce for making the trek down to my place. Every moment with him is an education into how these cars work. The neighborhood kids got a real treat with all the Ferraris - a couple more pics of the fun:
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Good job boys.

One question - does the rear bumper have to come off to access the clutch? Can the job be done without having to remove that bumper?

 

Am jealous seeing Fowners working together. Have been a member for awhile and been surfing this forum for info. Nice to have a big brother eyeing your work giving tips. Gotta play all alone for now in my neck of the woods. Thanks for posting the pics. I'm not too far behind in needing clutch work.

Ed AKA BlackonBlack
97 355GTS 11.5K

 

Mike, the bumper and muffler removal is an easier job on the 348 than the 355, but they do have to be removed to access the clutch. And as Rick said you will need a second pair of hands/eyes to re-install the bumper and get it aligned, or you can do it on your own with a floor jack to help support and align the bumper, but much easier with two people.

Ask plugzit about his secondary muffler can delete mod I did it to my car and can remove the clutch pumpkin without touching the bumper or exhaust - but the best part is it sounds better and drops about 35 pounds of weight off the back of the car!

 

My hats of to you Rick
Looks like you did a great job.
Any ideas how much you think you saved compared to taking it to a dealer?
I wrote you last month too. I still want to buy your car!
You have one of the nicest 355 on the forum

 

Thanks Rick/Eric.

 

Great stuff! Love that you're just working on the cars in your driveway! That's the spirit!

 

Great story and pics!