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Re: Teens & clutches OT

To: cfrench@cybertours.com, mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Teens & clutches OT
From: Ajhsys@aol.com
Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000 11:36:09 EDT
In a message dated 7/31/00 6:17:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
cfrench@cybertours.com writes:

<<   OT a little but I have procured an old Rabbit for my son with a four 
 speed and I am having difficulty in explaining how to do something I can do 
 in my sleep. Can anyone put shifting into words or know of a URL I could 
 get to for help on this. We now have a brand new clutch and I do not want 
 to kill that one before it's time. >>

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Try explaining what wears out the clutch and throw out bearing.  If the pedal 
is held in, such as at traffic lights, the throw out bearing is being worn.  
If the clutch is allowed to slip, such as in creeping traffic, or by letting 
the pedal out too slowly, the clutch plate will wear out.  He should drive 
with the pedal out all the way, not riding it, even if he is going slowly in 
1st gear.

Then, it is up to him to experiment with letting the pedal out too fast or 
too slow, and how much gas to give it at the same time.  (CAUTION - It is 
best if Dad is NOT around during this period.  High blood pressure may 
result.)

The Rabbit has a very nice clutch.  If you let him figure it out, he will get 
it right in no time.  (BTDT with all of my kids.)  Let him know that all cars 
are different.  I have a heck of a time getting a smooth shift out of my 
son's Mazda RX-7, but my Midget is smooth as silk.  I drove another VW last 
year (a Fox, I think) and the clutch was terrible.  It was a self adjusting 
clutch that engaged all the way at the top.

Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport

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