Dizzy2217

Every time I get out of 1st or 2nd from a stop I may hold the clutch down a little longer than I should but I can smell a burning smell I know what a burnt clutch smells like is this driver's error or my clutch i I just learned to drive a manual a month ago I'm not bad just want to know I just bought my mustang today 98 4.6 gt 128k miles paid $2350 it's a bullet mustang

Urambo Tauro

Welcome!

What do you mean by "from a stop"? Are you shifting out of low gear after braking to a stop? Or are you accelerating from a stop, and shifting into the next higher gear?

Before we can figure out whether it's a mechanical problem, or just clutch technique, we need to rule out brakes, which can smell like a clutch.

Dizzy2217

If I got a red light an accelerate I smell it I do hold the clutch a little long going in first to take off

Urambo Tauro

Okay, so you're off the brakes, then. Even if it was a dragging caliper, you'd be able to feel/hear if there's a problem there.

Maybe you are just working the clutch a little too much after all. Try to spend less time modulating between disengaging and engaging the clutch. Once it starts to grab, you want to transition to full engagement quickly. Not instantly, but quickly so that it doesn't spend a lot of time slipping.

But if the clutch slips a lot despite your best efforts, it might be time for a new clutch. At 128k miles, it's definitely possible.

Dizzy2217

If the clutch pedal is really stiff does that indicate a new clutch or pressure plate it's pretty stiff j.w

movielover40

A clutch is designed to be engaged.

If your at a long red light put it in neutral and release the clutch.

I agree with Urambo.

Urambo Tauro

If pedal effort feels excessive, it's possible that a previous owner may have put a higher stage clutch in it with a stronger pressure plate. But if it feels like it's binding or hanging up mid-travel, there could be an issue with the cable and/or the release bearing. There is some overlap between these symptoms and possible causes, but those are the first things that come to mind.

Dizzy2217

Thank you so much for your help and is there away with out taking apart the tranny I can find out if there is a higher stage clutch in it

Urambo Tauro

I don't think you can definitively identify a pressure plate without pulling the transmission. Aftermarket clutch kits often have the pressure plate painted a certain color, so if you wanted to pull off the inspection cover and peek inside, you might be able to get a hint of what's in there. Another thing you could do is attach a spring gauge to the pedal and see how much force it takes to operate, but I'm not sure what the proper spec is supposed to be.

If you want to check the clutch cable, you can disconnect it from the release lever at the bellhousing, and make sure that it operates smoothly on its own.

ZEN357

There are issues shifting from 1st to 2nd with the Tremec 3650 after time. I think it has to do with the forks in the transmission. It's a known problem with the Bullitt. Visit the Bullitt forum, IMBOC.com for more info.