Alright. Question for you all. My 03 350z has been sitting for 3 years while I've been stationed in Germany. I had it shipped to Florida where I am now and need to drive to VA tonight! When I first got my car I had the oil and gas changed and the gas tanked scrubbed. Been driving it for about 100 miles now and the clutch has started slipping in every gear. Think it might only be glaze but not sure. It had no problems before I left. Would I be able to make that trip its 800 miles and I plan on staying on the freeway only stopping for gas. So my question is if I drive easy and stay cruzing in 6th will I be able to make that trip?

 

No way to know for certain. If the clutch disc is worn, it will get hotter as it slips on the highway. Eventually, the heat could glaze it enough that it won't grab enough to get you up to speed.

Bottom line: 800 miles with a wonky clutch, on a weekend night and driving across unknown roads is NOT a good idea. If it goes while you're on the road, it'll be trouble.

 

Possible tow to an unknown shop. In a hotel waiting for a new clutch. Think about it.

 

Well I made it. Little bit of love and a lot of clutch management.

 

Glad to hear the trip was uneventful. One thing to note: before the clutch disc glazes over too badly and damages the flywheel mating surface, better get it assessed ASAP.

 

Hi Rob… Glad to hear all was well. Truthfully, I never doubted for a minute that you would make it to your destination (but hesitated offering this advice). Reading your original message it was obvious you had it figured out (e.g., no downshifting to slow the engine, gentle acceleration, etc.).

You can always “baby” a failing clutch, accomplishing a significant extension of its life. When I was a college student with no money, I ran my VW with a worn clutch for a long time after noticing it was slipping.

--Spike