DeTomaso Mailing List: November 2000, Message #171

Mark wrote:

>I need some online troubleshooting for #1448.  Today I was graced by jumping
all over a new Vette.  However, at @ 5000rpm's, I experienced a complete
power loss in both 1st and 2nd gears.  The engine kept climbing, but no
power after those levels.  I never heard of, or experienced this.  Funny
thing is that the engine seems to be running better at idle.  Any thoughts?

The engine is a 351c, edlebrock performer, holley 750, slight cam, TRW
pistons, rebuild was about 1800 miles ago.

>>>That's an easy one--the clutch is slipping!  It has enough "oomph" to 
transmit power at lower rpm, but as the torque exceeds the clutch clamping 
power, it slips.  Backing off the throttle below that slip threshold allows 
it to grip as usual.

Now, WHY is it slipping?  Misadjustment is possible, but the more likely 
explanation is that the pressure plate is shot.  Or, you have an oil leak out 
the back of your new engine, and oil has contaminated the disc.

FWIW, although it's no fun, you can drive a car like this for years.  Roger 
Sharp's monster-motor Pantera has had a slipping clutch for two years--he 
can't take it over about 4500 rpm without the revs going to the moon.

And the Scirocco of Doom suffered a broken clutch (BANG!) about three years 
ago.  Of course, it hasn't been fixed yet! :>)  I can put it in 2nd gear, rev 
it to 5000 and sidestep off the clutch, and the car will just sit there with 
the engine spinning and the car going NOWHERE!  Slowly lower the revs, and at 
about 2000 rpm the car starts creeping forward.  Yet once the clutch grabs, 
it stays grabbed all the way to redline ('cause the thing doesn't have enough 
torque to break it loose.)

Mike