Clutch Question

[fitsintite]

Hi, the last couple of weeks I have been experiencing a strange clutch feeling when taking off on 1 gear when the car is cold, it's as if the clutch is sticking or hesitating to grab on, like a jogging or jerking feeling and then takes off as normal or something, but after 10 minutes into the drive this doesn't happen anymore when taking off again from stops.

I don't know if I explained this precisely but has anybody experienced this and what is going on.

1997 Boxster with 60000 miles

Thanks

[fitsintite]

Bump

[Tool Pants]

I call this clutch judder. I had this on my 1997 with 67,000 miles on the original clutch, but it had started long before 67,000 miles. When the car was cold and I took off in 1st there was a vibration like there were bad mounts. Once the car was hot this did not happen. My clutch was worn out - down to the rivets. Had a new clutch put in and the judder is gone.

If you have 60,000 miles on the original clutch that is where I would start. Another sign of a worn out clutch is it takes a lot of effort to push down on the pedal. Compare your clutch pedal with a new Boxster.

[fitsintite]

I call this clutch judder. I had this on my 1997 with 67,000 miles on the original clutch, but it had started long before 67,000 miles. When the car was cold and I took off in 1st there was a vibration like there were bad mounts. Once the car was hot this did not happen. My clutch was worn out - down to the rivets. Had a new clutch put in and the judder is gone.

If you have 60,000 miles on the original clutch that is where I would start. Another sign of a worn out clutch is it takes a lot of effort to push down on the pedal. Compare your clutch pedal with a new Boxster.

Hi, Thanks for the info, a while back a Friend of mine with a 2003 boxster came over and we switched cars for a ride and we both agreed that the clutch in my car needed more effort to push down. At that time we thought it was because of the model year, he had 55000 miles on his car. :o

I better start shopping for a new clutch :angry: $$$$$$$$$$$ .

Tool Pants do you think this is a DIY project and what else should i replace on a 60000 mile Boxster IYO :) and how much can this cost me ?

Thanks

[Tool Pants]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...mp;#entry115624

Over the years I have replaced clutches on cars on my driveway. The Boxster did not look like fun, and I'm too old to be on my back under a car all day. For $825, parts and labor, I let Marvin do it.

As I said in the link Marvin also resealed the back of the engine, which cost more. Your 1997 is going to have the old style intermediate shaft flange and first generation rear oil seal unless they hav been replaced over the years. Mine was original. Since Marvin was in there I had those replaced wih the updated parts and the "blue bolts" that have a sealant on them.

I also had the oil separator replaced. This is a known problem area. 1997 had the old style separator. The first picture shows seepage from the bellows for my separator. Marvin could have just replaced the bellows but this did not make sense. Second picture is my 1997 separator on the right and the new style on the left. It is easy to replace the separator when the transmission is out.

If you go to a dealership this will cost $$$ and it is hard to spend all that money on a 1997. That is why you might try an independent shop.

The other problem area on the early cars is the oill filler tube. Of course I had the original design. Marvin was suprised it had lasted 11 years. I saw no evidence of seepage so that was left alone. Again if yours does not look good it is easy to replace when the transmission is out for the clutch replacement. If your coolant tank needs to be replaced now is the time to do it when the transmission is out. I had already replace the tank 2 years ago so it was not an issue for me.

I also had the fuel filter replaced because my car was on the lift. I have replaced a Boxster filer before at a guy's house when it was on stands. Lot easier when it is on the lift. Also have the motor mount inspected, another problem area and Porsche changed the design.

Off topic, but as these cars hit 60,000 miles you see water and fuel pump failures.

Find an independent mechanic that knows these cars. Marvin worked at 2 local dealerships before opening his own shop so he knew his stuff. I asked Marvin to call me once the transmission was out. Then we went under the car with a flashlight and I told him what I wanted replaced and what I wanted left alone.

[fitsintite]

Hi Tool Pants, Thanks for the info.

I never heard of the intermediate shaft flange, do you have a picture.

Thanks for your time :)

[Tool Pants]

New style is on the left and old style on the right. The old style has a simple 0-ring seal. The new style has a better seal. The seal is part of the flange, so that is why you have to replace the flange if you have a leak from that area. You can also see the blue bolts on the left.

Second picture shows where the flange goes on the back of the engine. This is a 1999 996 and it had the old style.

Last is my 1997. There was a film of oil on the back of the engine. Looks black because dirt sticks to the oil. You really can't determine the source. Is it the seal, bolts, or flange? That is why it is somewhat standard procedure to update all the parts on th older cars. My car was like this when Marvin called and I went over to check it out. In 9 years of ownership I never saw a drop of oil on the ground. So mine was not a leaker like others you read about. I was going to leave it alone but since I had 67,000 miles and Marvin was in there....

I also had seepage on the cam covers, which is common. But they were left alone. Oil pump house is another source for leaks, but mine was ok.

[fitsintite]

Hi Tool Pants, thanks for all the pictures and info :)

Our cars must be Twins because I have not had a drop of oil on my garage floor either ;) , i did have to change the water pump,a very simple task.

Thanks again

[El Patrick]

Hi Tool Pants, thanks for all the pictures and info :)

Our cars must be Twins because I have not had a drop of oil on my garage floor either ;) , i did have to change the water pump,a very simple task.

Thanks again

Boy, that's a beauty you've got there. Take good care of it!