From:	bob@pelicanparts.com on behalf of Bob at Pelican Parts [bob@pelicanparts.com]
Sent:	Saturday, May 22, 1999 2:47 PM
To:	ssgillespie@email.msn.com
Cc:	pelicanparts@csi.com
Subject:	Re: 1990 911 question

Wayne at Pelican Parts wrote:
> 
> Most people talk out the sides of their mouths in this business.  Let me
> forward you to two people who won't.  Bob and James in Tech Support, can
> perhaps offer their experience on this one.  I'm not familiar enough with
> the post 1990 cars to give a worthwhile opinion.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Wayne
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ssgillespie@email.msn.com [mailto:ssgillespie@email.msn.com]
> Sent: Thursday, May 20, 1999 3:00 PM
> To: pelicanparts@csi.com
> Subject: 1990 911 question
> 
> I've recently purchased a low milage '90 911 C4.  I've noticed the clutch is
> very stiff.  A mechanic told me the clutch is going and that the '90s and
> '91s had a defective fly wheel in the clutch assembly.  Both the clutch and
> fly wheel would need to be replaced.  The dealer told me the clutch  wasn't
> bad, just stiff.  But since it is hydraulic, it could not be adjusted.  He'd
> driven cars with softer and harder clutches.  I mentioned that I tried
> clutches in other 90 and 91 porsches and none were nearly as difficult as
> mine.  But, those were all C2s, and I was told you cannot compare a C4 and
> C2.  They "have a different clutch plate so they would naturally feel
> different."   Can you provide me with some insight?  Is the mechanic trying
> to sell me a $3500 repair or is the dealer telling tales to avoid living up
> to their "warranty"?  I got the distinct impression that someone was talking
> out of both sides of their mouth, so to speak .  Any advice would be greatly
> appreciated.  Thank you.

There a several things I'd suggest to clarify your problem and protect your interest.

1.  Write a letter to the dealer and CC to PCNA (if it was a Porsche dealer--if not, them CC the dealer's 
manufacturer), outlining in detail the problems with your car and the dates you advised them of the problems. 
Also send a copy to your state agency that has oversight on automotive repair (e. g. in California, the 
Bureau of Automotive Repair.)

2.  The C4s are indeed different, and because there is still a lot of hand work in a Porsche, even "identical" 
cars feel different.  With that in mind, try to find another C4 owner through your local Porsche Club, and 
arrange an exchange drive to compare.  If you don't belong to PCA, let me know where you are, and I will give 
you a phone contact.

3.  Through PCA, or contact with other Porsche owners, find a reputable independent Porsche speciality garage 
to evaluate your clutch.  Unfortunately, some of the bad shops are known for turning an oil change into "you 
need an overhaul."  With an independent, unbiased, honest opinion you may find out that your clutch is fine, 
but that C4s just have a heavier clutch action.

4.  One last thing to check is the pedal bushings, although on a car this new, I doubt that they are bad.  You 
can do this by removing the driver's side carpet, and then the foot board (you may have to remove the pedal 
pads to get it out).  Then shine a flashlight around in the pedal box area.  If you see something that looks 
like sawdust, the plastic pedal bushings are shot, and will cause the pedal to bind.  Cheap and easy to 
replace, if that is the problem.

Hope this helps--Lemme know.