> I have been noticing an intermittent noise that sounds a lot like
> a slipping
> clutch. I only hear it when the car is cold (it is, although, very loud).
> It seems to go away after just a few blocks or so and is
> definitely related
> to applying or changing power, but it seems to be getting more
> frequent and
> lasting longer (tonight it squalled for two miles or so, and every time I
> down shifted.)
>From that description, I would guess you're hearing the early stages of
throw-out bearing failure. The squalling is either the bearing itself, or
more likely, the bearing rubbing against the clutch fingers.
> I know I have a rear main seal leak. Could the clutch disk be getting
> glazed over for the presence of the oil?
Your clutch could certainly be glazed from oil, which can cause a variety of
ills. But, that shouldn't make it slip unless something else is wrong.
> Is it something I need to worry about?
Kind of reminds me of the old joke about the fellow with the rare form of VD
... no need to amputate, it'll soon fall off on it's own !
> Any suggestions, short of pulling the engine and rebuilding that
> seal?
Yeah, change the TOB while you're in there. That, or learn to drive without
a clutch.
Randall
|