mungodrums

I bought a 1995 Mustang Cobra convertible three months ago with 59,000 miles on her. Drove clutch that came with car for total of about 100-125 miles, on and off it would smell like burnt clutch, then one day clutch was smoking and smelled very strong, smoke in cabin, then it completely went out. Has new Luk clutch in it. Today took car to work, now has tops about 100 miles on new clutch, got out of parking lot and went home, smelled like burnt clutch, what. I am getting better at driving the car and try to not ride the clutch, maybe I am taking a little too long letting go of the clutch when going into first gear. I guess now I am paranoid because I equate that funky clutch smell with the first few times I smelled it and original clutch went completely out one day on the street. I am a newbie and don't think that I am that bad, getting better. Is this smell a sure sign of a short life clutch? I think I am doing a good job of depressing clutch fully when changing gears. Mechanic said that clutch should last at least 20,000-30,000 miles even if poorly driven. Confused, like the car but don't want to wear out clutch in 1000 miles. Is it reasonable to expact to never have this smell. Please help. Ger.

dawson1112

When the clutch was replaced, I assume they either replaced or resurfaced the flywheel?

I wouldn't worry to much about it at this point it takes about 500 miles to fully break in a new clutch, according to some clutch manufacturers. A clutch smell is normal for a new clutch as it breaks in especially if you romp hard on it through first and second gear as it breaks in. You are supposed to take it easy for the first 500 miles .. again according to some manufacturers .
I would guess that if it burns up in 1000 miles you could take it back where you had it installed and get it covered under warranty.

Keep your foot off of the clutch when driving except when you shift. You don't need to let it out that slow when taking off, I cant explain how to do it you just have to practice. I been driving a stick for so long I don't even think about it.

mjr46

how old are you??