jetboater

Glad you got it fixed!

Could you share the suggestion Scott gave you to try to avoid it happening again?

Thanks!

Habitforming

Probably he disabled the clutch interlock switch, allowing you to start the car without depressing the clutch pedal, which is what puts pressure on that thrust washer. Most countries outside of the USA don't require them, but of course with all of our idiots & lawyers, that is another price we have to pay.

buckinvt

My car is stock in almost every way. Clutch is OEM. I have only owned the car for a bit more than a year. I suspect there something that I am unaware of with the previous owner that could have caused this issue. The only thing Scott suspected is that possibly it sat for a long time and then was started. Scott has seen our cars since the beginning, and he did mention that he has never seen this. I assume it'll always be a mystery, but hopefully the problem is behind me. I did bring the car back for Scott to take a look at. He said he looked at some screen to see if there was anything like metal in it a week after the car was repaired. He said things looked real good and said I should't have any problems. I'm hoping he'd right.

arsenal

Don't you have it the wrong way round? Disabling the clutch switch stops the pressure on the thrust washer.

Or maybe I am missing who the the he is, Scott or the PO

rrounds

I have seen this in other engines where the person always has the clutch in when at stop lights, train crossings(long train) etc. I don't use the clutch until I have to. I got a buddy that has replaced his throwout bearing three times because he rests his left foot on the clutch peddel driving down the road. LOL

ROD

bgoetz

The OP had his thrust bearings go, which is way way worse than a throw out bearing. I don't think using the clutch beyond a cold start would cause additional wear. A aggressive pressure plate might during normal use.

buckinvt

I'm pretty sure they are the wire jacks that go to the front and rear fuel injectors. Scott said if you disconnect the two that are fairly easily accessible, the car won't start. He said run the starter so the engine turns several times to get oil on the internal components. Hook them back up and start the car. He did say that you would have to later disconnect the battery to reset the code that you'd get from the computer, then hook it back up again.

Not sure I'll do it, but I guess it sounds reasonable to me. Again, he didn't say it was necessary, but to be safe, it might not be a bad idea.

buckinvt

I agree. From what I understand the only time there is a concern with the thrust bearing is at the initial starting of the engine.

windhund116

The builder didn't say anything about avoiding riding the clutch?

bgoetz

Just pull the 15A fuse to the fuel pump, it will acomplish the same thing only no cel and much easier.