Car question about clunk noise when shifting and sputtering exhaust.

[TomC25]

I bought a used 1989 Ford Probe for $800 to drive to work everyday so I don't put miles on my 4Runner.

5 Speed
128K miles
original clutch
previous owner says it has had tune-ups

I wanted to know if somebody could give me some direction on what to look into fixing for the following symptoms.

When I shift from 1st to 2nd at low RPMs (below 2000) there is a clunk sound and I can feel it. (sign on clutch going bad, or maybe needs trans fluid?)

Along the same lines, when I shift from 1st to 2nd at high RPMs (obove 3500) the car doesn't seem to want to catch gear and accelerate for a few seconds.

Another problem is when I let off the gas pedal the engine sputters a little. (Maybe check plugs and wires?)

Thanks

 

[vi edit]

Along the same lines, when I shift from 1st to 2nd at high RPMs (obove 3500) the car doesn't seem to want to catch gear and accelerate for a few seconds.

That sounds like a slipping clutch to me.

 

[Thegonagle]

Engine mounts for the clunk, tune-up measures for the misfiring, plus you're going to need a new clutch soon if you don't take it easy. For example, do not punch the gas until the clutch is fully engaged. DO NOT LET IT SLIP like that!

 

[308nato]

Clutch sounds fried or needing adjustment if that model has that option.

My advice would be drive it till the wheels fall off. Your $800 beater could turn into a money pit real fast. If you are looking at spending more than a couple hundred to fix it I would sell it RIGHT NOW and get something else.

 

[Beau]

If there is a clanking noise while engaging the clutch, it could be the throw out bearings.

 

[TomC25]

Engine mounts for the clunk, tune-up measures for the misfiring, plus you're going to need a new clutch soon if you don't take it easy. For example, do not punch the gas until the clutch is fully engaged. DO NOT LET IT SLIP like that!

What will happen with the clutch? Never had one die on me. What happens when I try to shift?

Clutch sounds fried or needing adjustment if that model has that option.

My advice would be drive it till the wheels fall off. Your $800 beater could turn into a money pit real fast. If you are looking at spending more than a couple hundred to fix it I would sell it RIGHT NOW and get something else.

How much is a clutch replacement on an old american car? I like driving the car and I think in the long run keeping the miles off of my 1999 4Runner is the way to go. If I keep the miles off the resale value will be more and I can keep it longer and in better condition. Also I don't want to deal with the hassle of buying another car and getting it registered and insured.

Thanks, I hope I can use this clutch for a couple more months.

 

[Thegonagle]

OH, I read again, and see that it's sputtering when you let OFF the gas. I bet the exhaust is a bit loud, no? That happens if there are holes in the exhaust system.

 

[TomC25]

Originally posted by: Beau6183
If there is a clanking noise while engaging the clutch, it could be the throw out bearings.

I hear and feel the clunk during the shift, not when I use the clutch.

There is no clunk at all when I shift above 2100 RPMs.

 

[TomC25]

Originally posted by: Garfang
OH, I read again, and see that it's sputtering when you let OFF the gas. I bet the exhaust is a bit loud, no? That happens if there are holes in the exhaust system.

Yes, I do hear a loud exhaust. I do think there are some small holes somewhere near the front of the car because when I get in or out while the engine is running it sounds like the exhaust sound is coming from under my door.

 

[Thegonagle]

It's not an old american car. It's a Mazda 626/MX6 with a Ford body. But American or foreign makes little difference in this case. The fact that it's front wheel drive matters much more. All the parts for a clutch replacement are probably $200 max, but it's nearly an all-day job for any mechanic, so you're going to be paying for almost a day's worth of labor/expertise.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: TomC25
I hear and feel the clunk during the shift, not when I use the clutch.

There is no clunk at all when I shift above 2100 RPMs.

Maybe not the engine mounts then. Just drain and refill the tranny fluid and don't worry about it after that.

EDIT: There could be a problem in the hydraulic clutch actuator (works just like hydraulic brakes, one piston pushes fluid through a tube into another piston), which could keep it from fully disengaging the clutch when you push the pedal to the floor.