987.S, 3.4 Manual: Intermittent Acceleration
Discussion
Looks like I need to arrange a trip to the OPC (car under warranty) but before I do I thought I’d post my problem here to see if some kind soul can give me some pointers. When it comes to cars I’m not overly technically minded but I would like to be able to give the OPC information in a language that they might understand to help identify/locate the problem, especially if it doesnt repeat itself on a test drive.
Basically, I've noticed the car feeling a little sluggish recently so I took the car out last night on two 20min blasts and I noticed a distinct lag of acceleration, albeit only intermittently. Three examples, in which I was accelerating hard but not flat on the floor, that occurred:
- Accelerating in 3rd gear to about 6,000 rpm. Change into 4th, revs drop to circa 4,000 and I continue to accelerate. Or at least, I press the accelerator pedal and the revs increase through to circa 6,000 with noise but without the feel of actual acceleration. Then, the engine ‘kicks-in’ the revs drop immediately to circa 4,500 and we accelerate as normal.
- Accelerating in 3rd gear to about 6,000 rpm from about 2,000. Acceleration is okay until around 3-4,000 revs and then there is a soft but noticeable jolt/pull as if the engine suddenly wakes up. It wasn’t a harsh jolt but not dissimilar to what you would expect to feel in a PDK if it drops down a gear.
- Accelerating in 3rd gear and the rev counter appeared to stick at 3,500 revs for what must have only been a fraction of a second but then it suddenly (not a smooth progression) flicked up to 4,000+
There are other examples but hopefully this gives a flavour. There were certainly numerous times when it accelerated as one would expect and there wasn’t one single issue that I noticed repeating itself.
Thanks in advance for any and all help
Basically, I've noticed the car feeling a little sluggish recently so I took the car out last night on two 20min blasts and I noticed a distinct lag of acceleration, albeit only intermittently. Three examples, in which I was accelerating hard but not flat on the floor, that occurred:
- Accelerating in 3rd gear to about 6,000 rpm. Change into 4th, revs drop to circa 4,000 and I continue to accelerate. Or at least, I press the accelerator pedal and the revs increase through to circa 6,000 with noise but without the feel of actual acceleration. Then, the engine ‘kicks-in’ the revs drop immediately to circa 4,500 and we accelerate as normal.
- Accelerating in 3rd gear to about 6,000 rpm from about 2,000. Acceleration is okay until around 3-4,000 revs and then there is a soft but noticeable jolt/pull as if the engine suddenly wakes up. It wasn’t a harsh jolt but not dissimilar to what you would expect to feel in a PDK if it drops down a gear.
- Accelerating in 3rd gear and the rev counter appeared to stick at 3,500 revs for what must have only been a fraction of a second but then it suddenly (not a smooth progression) flicked up to 4,000+
There are other examples but hopefully this gives a flavour. There were certainly numerous times when it accelerated as one would expect and there wasn’t one single issue that I noticed repeating itself.
Thanks in advance for any and all help
I've booked it in at Wilmslow OPC for next Tuesday because I wanted to wait for a courtsey car.
It will be interesting to see if I come out of this a warranty winner (a part that is covered) or a warranty loser (paying over the odds to aviod invalidating a potential future claim). This seems like a game with high stakes.
It will be interesting to see if I come out of this a warranty winner (a part that is covered) or a warranty loser (paying over the odds to aviod invalidating a potential future claim). This seems like a game with high stakes.
I took the car to the OPC today and went out with the Technician. Before we even left the lot he identified the clutch as needing replacing. They are going to strip the part out of the car (4hrs labour) to be sure before replacing.
Assuming a part hasn’t failed (unlikely) then this will cease to be a warranty issue and become my issue. Approx cost quoted was £1,500 plus another £1,000 if the fly wheel has gone.
Given that I only purchased the car 6mths ago and that I have covered just 1,500 miles I am expecting Bournemouth OPC to pick up this cost. Should I hold my breath?
Assuming a part hasn’t failed (unlikely) then this will cease to be a warranty issue and become my issue. Approx cost quoted was £1,500 plus another £1,000 if the fly wheel has gone.
Given that I only purchased the car 6mths ago and that I have covered just 1,500 miles I am expecting Bournemouth OPC to pick up this cost. Should I hold my breath?
I called a couple of Indy's and for genuine parts I am looking at just over £1,000.
I'm no slave to the warranty when it comes to brake pads, tyres etc. but I am assuming that a whole new clutch is perhaps a stretch too far. This is based on my assumption that although cast the same the parts would look different to the naked eye and especially a trained technician if they ever have to go rooting around in the engine bay.
Using non-Porsche parts will halve the Indy's quote.
I'm no slave to the warranty when it comes to brake pads, tyres etc. but I am assuming that a whole new clutch is perhaps a stretch too far. This is based on my assumption that although cast the same the parts would look different to the naked eye and especially a trained technician if they ever have to go rooting around in the engine bay.
Using non-Porsche parts will halve the Indy's quote.
jakesmith said:
Why do you think the OPC will know that the clutch has even been changed, let alone by an indy.
Because my tecnhical knowledge is close to zero 
My assumption was that the clutch is housed inside a metal casing and that they would replace said casing when changing the actual clutch. Furthermore, I thought that this part would be visible.
Are we just talking about replacing the clutch plates deep within the engine while using the existing housing?
I'm Prestbury, Cheshire. There are two near me that come recommended:
Sports and Classic in Knutsford
JMH in Cheadle Hulme
The former is only 8 miles from the Wilmslow OPC so that is where I will most likely be heading if I can't get Bournemouth OPC to cover a considerable part of the expense.
Sports and Classic in Knutsford
JMH in Cheadle Hulme
The former is only 8 miles from the Wilmslow OPC so that is where I will most likely be heading if I can't get Bournemouth OPC to cover a considerable part of the expense.
Update/Conclusion:
The clutch was worn which also damaged the Fly Wheel. Both are being replaced and the cost is being taken care of by Bournemouth OPC as it is not a warranty issue.
Even if Bournemouth got a discount on labour and parts from Wilmslow (different networks) this will still be a sizable bill and they took ownership without push back or any request for a contribution. They even apologised for not picking it up on the 111 check.
Good news for me, and lots of brownie points for them.
The clutch was worn which also damaged the Fly Wheel. Both are being replaced and the cost is being taken care of by Bournemouth OPC as it is not a warranty issue.
Even if Bournemouth got a discount on labour and parts from Wilmslow (different networks) this will still be a sizable bill and they took ownership without push back or any request for a contribution. They even apologised for not picking it up on the 111 check.
Good news for me, and lots of brownie points for them.
Edited by HappyBoxster on Saturday 30th August 13:50
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