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Car started stalling at low speeds after 2 sessions at track. Engine or tranny?


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#1
stillentwint17

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Hi all,

 

I was up at thunderhill sat and sunday and after my second session on the sunday, i was pulling into the pit at about 5mph, with my foot on the clutch, and the car stalled. Then anytime after that, even with my foot on the clutch, the car would begin to move on itself and then stall. Its fine at rhighway speed but just the time it takes to gas the accelerator while releasing the clutch the car will begin to shutter and then stall out. Also, when after it stalls, its really difficult moving the gearshift knob into anygear unless i press my foot on the clutch a sh^t load of times..(slave cylinder, master cylinder, pressure plate alignment..?)

 

This did start when my car was pretty low on fuel (i dunno if that helps). I filled it up and was able to drive the 3 hrs home no problem, but thats only because i didnt have any stop and go traffic.

 

Does this sound like a pressure plate issue?? I did just put the tranny in last weekend...Also, in light of that, when i did put the tranny back in (switched out RMS), the car was difficult getting it into reverse. With and without using the clutch..When the car stalled at track, it was difficult getting it into any gear..

 

Thanks guys!

 



#2
Ron Alan

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Check fluid level and bleed your clutch line first.

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#3
Alberto

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The car moving with your foot on the clutch means that the clutch was not disengaging.  First thing to check is the hydraulics which is a common problem on Miatas as the clutch master and slave wear.

 

if the car is new to you or those parts have not been changed recently, replace both the clutch master and slave and bleed. If either of those parts are new-ish, replace the one that isn't new-ish and bleed. 


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#4
Todd Tagget

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#5
fotostars

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Hi all,

 

I was up at thunderhill sat and sunday and after my second session on the sunday, i was pulling into the pit at about 5mph, with my foot on the clutch, and the car stalled. Then anytime after that, even with my foot on the clutch, the car would begin to move on itself and then stall. Its fine at rhighway speed but just the time it takes to gas the accelerator while releasing the clutch the car will begin to shutter and then stall out. Also, when after it stalls, its really difficult moving the gearshift knob into anygear unless i press my foot on the clutch a sh^t load of times..(slave cylinder, master cylinder, pressure plate alignment..?)

 

This did start when my car was pretty low on fuel (i dunno if that helps). I filled it up and was able to drive the 3 hrs home no problem, but thats only because i didnt have any stop and go traffic.

 

Does this sound like a pressure plate issue?? I did just put the tranny in last weekend...Also, in light of that, when i did put the tranny back in (switched out RMS), the car was difficult getting it into reverse. With and without using the clutch..When the car stalled at track, it was difficult getting it into any gear..

 

Thanks guys!

 

Sounds like you need to adjust your clutch pedal and check all your clutch hydraulics, OR something got back crooked with your fork/throw bearing that doesn't release the clutch just right.


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#6
stillentwint17

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Hi all,

 

Me again. Does anyone know any SM mechanics/shops in the bayarea? Preferably San Jose area. I'm under the gun at work to the point where i wont have time to troubleshoot/fix the clutch/gearbox issue I'm having prior to the next event.

 

Does anyone happen to know any?

 

Thanks



#7
Macgiver

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#8
stillentwint17

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Sounds like you need to adjust your clutch pedal and check all your clutch hydraulics, OR something got back crooked with your fork/throw bearing that doesn't release the clutch just right.

Hi Richard,

 

Where should i begin?

 

Bleed the slave cylinder, then check pedal adjustment and then if that doesnt work, remove the tranny and check the pilot bearing? I removed the fork boot but i was unable to see anything in there. The spring/fork was in place but i couldnt see the pilot bearing.



#9
fotostars

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Hi Richard,

 

Where should i begin?

 

Bleed the slave cylinder, then check pedal adjustment and then if that doesnt work, remove the tranny and check the pilot bearing? I removed the fork boot but i was unable to see anything in there. The spring/fork was in place but i couldnt see the pilot bearing.

 

I'm assuming you installed a new clutch/PP? That would definitely require an adjustment.

See this for inspiration:

http://www.miata.net.../adjust_clutch/

 

You can start with #1 and go to #3 before coming back to #2. Could be lucky...

 

#1. Check no leaks on the hydraulic. The Slave cylinder is an easy one to go bad. Press on the boot or remove it, it should be dry.

#2. Bleed the system (I use a Power bleeder, the top cap is the standard "European" thread)

#3. Most likely your issue is the pedal not adjusted properly. You should be able to disengage the clutch fully. To do that you have to add some length to the rod behind the pedal... Break the counter screw and then turn the rod by hand a good turn or two. Check you can now disengage the clutch.

#4. Assuming you got to #3 properly, you know have to adjust the "stop" of the pedal that sets the pedal height at rest and fiddle with the length of the rod to get it just right with minimum play. This is easier to check by pressing on the pedal by hand instead of the foot.

 

If you're looking for a mechanic, you can go to Steve Kim @ All Care Auto in Santa Clara on El Camino Real. Tell him I sent you. I know him well, he's a guy I trust...

 

GL.

Richard.

PS: Are you coming to the NCRC Thunderhill Week-End coming at the end of the month?


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