Hi Guys
To Eric: Mike Zoner finally opened the master clutch reservoir cap after the other Callaway mechanics gave up because the hi heat appeared to have fused the plastic cap to the body of the reservoir and they were afraid it would break- which would have put a damper on my ride home.
The clutch fluid was BLACK, VERY THIN,and BURNT smelling.Mike explained that under intense heat air bubbles in the clutch fluid would expand and there would be so much empty play in the throw that I could no longer engage or disengage the clutch.
The fix is to replace the regular clutch fluid carefully as you have recommended with, a high temp. fluid.
To All: What is the best hi temp clutch fluid to use? DOT 4, DOT 5,or Silicone. Is the silicone the same as the blue stuuff with a bp of 536 degrees mentioned in a previous post?
Of course this doesn't get to the heart of the problem- the overheating within the engine compartment. I am convinced that the tremendous heat buildup is directly responsible for the loss of clutch as discussed above. I never have had a problem with clutch feel or engagement unless the heat has built up and the water temp gague has pinned.
I'll get into what knowledge and tricks I have assembled from Mike Zoner, the guys at Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, and all of the ZR-1 and Callaway owners I have talked to in another post.
To Tony C.: Our cars run hot, but some run hotter, and some ONLY MORE SO (sound familiar?) I guess 500HPCR1 is a SuperNat ONLY MORE SO, and so it needs some extra help.
Sorry about cutting you out of the will, but the Don hasn't made me an offer I couldn't refuse and as you know, the Family comes first.
Thanks again for all your help and keep the ideas and suggestions flowing.
