bad smell at launch....

[swooshUSN]

I'm posting this in the team tech section too because I need an answer pretty quickly.

I've noticed the past couple times that I've been driving that I get a weird smell when I start from a complete start. Kinda smells like bad broccoli to be honest. Doesn't seem to matter whether I'm on a hill, level, turn, whatever....I just get this smell. Almost smells like something burning, but I can't be sure. Any help??

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Adam Kramer
TEAM Focaljet: MidAtlantic Co-Leader/Moderator 2001 Sangria Red ZX3;5-speed;all power;moonroof;KW Variant 1 coilovers coming soon;Focus Tuning Wingcoming soon;Vibrant Cat-backcoming soon;B&M Short Throw;Esslinger UDP(awaiting install);Intermittent Wipers;K&N Drop-in FilterCharger;FS chrome Stress Bar;white vinyl logos;30% front windows, 20% rears;Piaa Platinum Super Whites;Max Super White Xe Fog bulbs;more to come...
Come visit my zing album
IM me @ swooshzx3

[FriendlyFocus]

If you're like me and feather the clutch so you can keep the revs maxed out, it's your clutch being burned away Need a stiffer clutch anyway, won't mind it going too soon haha

[swooshUSN]

well, I don't try to keep the revs maxed, I'm talking about this happening when I'm in traffic. If there's no one else around, and I can start at what ever speed I want to, I don't get that smell. If it is the clutch, whats the warranty on the clutch?

[01ZX3]

I had the same problem. My buddy and I raced when I had the my Contour and I could smell his too. I don't smell it that much ever since I got exhaust. So I think it is the crappy gas I run ?

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Dave
01 Infra Red ZX3
Team Great Lakes
Fog light re-wire,
Focussport plug wires,
Custom Dual Exhaust!!

[foci_R]

take your car into the service department let them know whats happening and to let you know a lot of focis are coming back to service for this problem it is the clutch mastercylinder , which also happens to be the swame mastercylinder for your brakes , whats happening is your clutch is grinding because the leval of fluid isnt coming up fast enough so its still actually down when you let off , let me guess yours is an early 2000 model foci , right? the service dept. knows of this problem and it can be fixed under warranty the only thing that wont be covered is your pressure plate. get this taken care of before it gets worse and loses compression entirely and you clutch and brakes go out. dont worry your not losing the fluid YET but it could happen that fluid will drain out , so get it looked at , i hope ive helped you. peace , foci_R

[noresull]

Not to step on your toes Foci_R, but let me clear up a few things.

The clutch and brakes don't share master cylinders, they share the reservoir. The reservoir is seperated internally and clutch fluid loss will not cause brake loss.

How the clutch master works: You press the clutch pedal, it puts fluid in motion on the slave cylinder which pushes on the throwout bearing, which pushes on the diaphragm of the pressure plate in turn, that spreads the gap between the flywheel and the pressure plate, where the actual clutch disc is, causing the clutch to disengage. The clutch doesn't grind, it slips, there will always be some slippage, it is the nature of system.

The pressure plate is covered under the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty unless wear is the cause, if excessive wear is present, the dealer should look into why it wore pre-maturely i.e. driver or mechanical error.

Swoosh, take your car to the dealer, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get it fixed!

[This message has been edited by noresull (edited 03-29-2001).]

[foci_R]

my bad man , im only telling it how it was explained to me by the service manager , but i would believe you seeings how the service manager was the same person who told me my warranty was void because i have a aftermarket fuel regulater , which is stock , i went and popped the hood of another brand new foci and showed him how mine is the same.

those people in service dont know thier ass from thier elbow.

thanx for clarifying that , peace

[swooshUSN]

actually, the car is a 2001, build date is late November 2000 I think. I noticed it again today. It's not something that happens all the time, but when it does it's nausiating(sp?). I'm going to take it in next week and let them take a look at things.

[wontufokus]

i burned a clutch or two in my life and that smell is definitely your clutch, perhaps its not the car but the mechanics of how you drive. pay attention to how you drive, maybe sometimes you dont let go of the gas fully before pressing the clutch when changing gears, just a suggestion

[swooshUSN]

definitely not the mechanics of my driving. I have never owned a 5-speed before, so I pay very close attention to what I'm doing when I shift. I am launching my car the same way I've driven any other 5 speed, but mine seems like it doesn't engage the clutch fully, and it starts to burn it. I've noticed that my pedal is starting to feel sloppy and the burning smell is coming up more often. After our show this weekend, I'll take it in and see what's up.

[wontufokus]

no offense, it was just a suggestion but check it out cause the labor costs for that sh*t are exp. plus its a wearable part which isnt covered under warranty best of luck to yah.