LT4 Need advice 1996 clutch issues

[southernmotorsports]

Hello. Need advice on my 1996 conv LT4 -6speed. My clutch is slipping on RPMs above 3500, and also on hills in high gear. I am the second owner of this corvette, and it only has 54000 orginal miles. The first owner was in his fifties, as am I, and both of us are cars guys who have not abused this car. Should my clutch be out with this mileage ? Is there anything else that can cause it to slip. This is my first dealings with the dual mass system, and it is turning into a nightmare. Also, any advice on the best aftermarket since I am finding that orginal equipment is no longer available. Thanks in advance.
Wayne Babin

 

[93Rubie]

Carolina Clutch and Performance, Inc.: Performance Clutches &amp Flywheels

This should help. Slipping is death to clutches. You may have some sort of contamination on the clutch disc, clutch (brake) fluid, oil, etc...

 

[froggy47]

Mine started slipping on my lt4 at about 60k miles, it's just done.

 

[Hib Halverson]

First of all, stop driving the car. Slipping clutches are very hard on flywheels and can damage the flywheel is allowed to continue for very long. Considering that dual mass wheels are nearly impossible to get and, when you can find one, cost upwards of $1000, you want to try and save your flywheel

It is uncommon but not unusual of to have a clutch fail at 54,000 miles. Clutch life depends a lot on how the clutch was driven. If it was driven hard, 54,000 miles is pretty good. If the car was driven easy by a person who knows the right way to drive a car with a manual, 54,000 miles would be an unusually short life.

Causes of cluch slipping are:
clutch worn
oil on clutch
pressure plate failure.

As for aftermarket, in my C4, I replaced the dual mass with a McLeod aluminum flywheel and the clutch with a McLeod clutch.

 

[southernmotorsports]

Thanks

Carolina Clutch and Performance, Inc.: Performance Clutches &amp Flywheels

This should help. Slipping is death to clutches. You may have some sort of contamination on the clutch disc, clutch (brake) fluid, oil, etc...

Thanks for reply. The clutch fluid is leaking somewhere as I have refilled several times. Could be getting to clutch disc. Thanks Again Wayne

 

[southernmotorsports]

Thanks for reply and advice

First of all, stop driving the car. Slipping clutches are very hard on flywheels and can damage the flywheel is allowed to continue for very long. Considering that dual mass wheels are nearly impossible to get and, when you can find one, cost upwards of $1000, you want to try and save your flywheel

It is uncommon but not unusual of to have a clutch fail at 54,000 miles. Clutch life depends a lot on how the clutch was driven. If it was driven hard, 54,000 miles is pretty good. If the car was driven easy by a person who knows the right way to drive a car with a manual, 54,000 miles would be an unusually short life.

Causes of cluch slipping are:
clutch worn
oil on clutch
pressure plate failure.

As for aftermarket, in my C4, I replaced the dual mass with a McLeod aluminum flywheel and the clutch with a McLeod clutch.

Thanks for reply. The clutch fluid is leaking somewhere as I have refilled several times. Could be getting to clutch disc. Thanks Again Wayne

 

[93Rubie]

Your slave cylinder is probably blowing fluid all over the inside of that bell housing. Take Hib's advice do not drive the car. You maybe able to save the flywheel if it is not toast all ready.

 

[2VettesMike]

Good news. It may not be fatal. I had a similar experience with my 93. Had 48K when I bought it from a young guy. Around 54K I had the same high gear, on the interstate slipping start.

New clutch/pressure plate, minor scuffing of the flywheel in place, and now at 170K with no problems. Don't assume fluid leak issue unless you are having engagement problems or the clutch slave cylinder reservoir shows a fluid loss.

Good luck,

Mike

 

[southernmotorsports]

Good news. It may not be fatal. I had a similar experience with my 93. Had 48K when I bought it from a young guy. Around 54K I had the same high gear, on the interstate slipping start.

New clutch/pressure plate, minor scuffing of the flywheel in place, and now at 170K with no problems. Don't assume fluid leak issue unless you are having engagement problems or the clutch slave cylinder reservoir shows a fluid loss.

Good luck,

Mike

Thanks Mike Everyones responce has been great. I have not driven the corvette and will leave in garage until funds allow for a complete repair. The 96 is in great shape and will be back on the road eventually. It will be worth the wait. Thanks Again Wayne