[DeTomaso] Clutch slipping at 3000 RPMs

[Dick Koch]

Based on your pictures and how you described the problem, it looks like 
that you have in fact bottomed out the slave cylinder (what I described 
in my prior post).  When the clutch starts slipping and it gets 
progressively worse, the odds are you have ruined the clutch assembly 
(clutch, flywheel, pressure plate, etc.) and they will have to be 
replaced or refurbished.

The results of an improperly adjusted clutch can be seen at: 
<http://home.earthlink.net/~arkoch/Old%20Clutch/>

These are pictures of my clutch and pressure plate. The flywheel surface 
looks the same as the pressure plate.  The picture of the clutch does 
not show the extent of the damage to it. 

For reference, look at the clutch release system schematic on 
Wilkinson's site:

Clutch release system: 
<http://www.panterasbywilkinson.com/webpages/catalog/ill9b.html>
Slave cylinder bracket: 
<http://www.panterapartsusa.com/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?prod_id=05031B
Clutch release lever arm; 
<http://www.panterapartsusa.com/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?prod_id=05027A>

If there is no adjustment stop on the slave cylinder bracket (see item 
45)  as in your case (which Mike pointed out) and the clutch is 
slipping, it does appear you have bottomed out the slave cylinder.  You 
probably can't move the clutch release lever arm with your hand, which 
you should be able to do with a properly adjusted clutch assembly.  
Another indication of that problem is the closeness of the clutch 
release lever arm (item 35) to the bell housing.

You have two adjustments that provide for full engagement of the 
clutch:  the rod and plunger assembly (see item 50), that determines how 
long the slave rod is, and the clutch release lever arm.  The clutch 
release lever arm is adjusted by removing it from the transaxle, then 
rotating it when reinstalling it on the splined shaft on which it is 
mounted.  Moving it just one spline will give you considerable 
adjustment leeway with the slave cylinder.

For such an easy maintenance item, it seems to be one of the least 
checked.  In my case it was, but no more.

Konrad, given the amount of time and mileage you have put on your car, I 
have no reservations in saying you have fried your clutch and it will 
have to be replaced. 

Dick Koch - Atlanta