Burning smells on new Z

tjlazer · 03-08-2010, 12:24 AM

I have a new Z and I am up to 2,000 miles on it. I get burning smells quite a bit. I think it's the clutch. I tend to have a hard time launching from 1st to 2nd. I have killed it a few dozen times already. I tend to clatter the clutch too. Just having a hard time with the damn clutch. I also have had a hard time getting into my garage as I have a dumb curb to go over and I get burning clutch just getting into the driveway. So my question is, is it normal to have burning smells well into 2,000 miles and when should I expect it to go away? I am thinking maybe I am just abusing my clutch! And yes I have been driving stick since 1988. ALL of my cars have been stick. Recently had a G35 and it was similar to the 370 but not nearly as bad! And I still have a 300ZX TT and the clutch is great on it.

370Zvetlana · 03-08-2010, 12:46 AM

is the smell normal when burning the clutch = yes
is it good = no

you really shouldnt be smelling it that often though. i just learned to drive manual last month, and only had the smell 2 times, always at a redlight on the same hill.

when going from first to second, just be sure to not hold the clutch at the friction point too long after you get rolling, thatll help avoid the smell....and maybe a good air freshener for the car ;-)

blackflag · 03-08-2010, 12:56 AM

You need to get your foot off the clutch. Either it's up, or it's down. Not inbetween. Use the gas if you're stalling or lugging it, but not the clutch.

tjlazer · 03-08-2010, 01:49 AM

God I feel like such a n00b to the Manual Transmission. But I've been driving them since the the 300ZX Z31 was in fashion.

But wait, look at this article! lol

2009 Nissan 370Z: New Clutch Break-in

DooDooBrown · 03-08-2010, 11:06 PM

Mine went into this mileage before I didn't smell it anymore... Remember to SLOWLY release your foot off the clutch and syncro. that with the gas... It went away for me after a while though!

370Zvetlana · 03-09-2010, 12:17 PM

one thing i know i did when i first learned was when driving in traffic or at a light, i was giving gas to advance, then when i stopped giving gas and started slowing down, i would hold the clutch at the friction point to avoid stalling, thats what gives the burning smell and messes up your clutch. its always better to hold the clutch down fully to avoid stalling then to keep it too long at friction point (and better than not hold it down at all and stalling)

03-08-2010, 12:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
tjlazer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tacoma Age: 52 Posts: 2,496 Drives: Z34, R35 Rep Power: 19	Burning smells on new Z I have a new Z and I am up to 2,000 miles on it. I get burning smells quite a bit. I think it's the clutch. I tend to have a hard time launching from 1st to 2nd. I have killed it a few dozen times already. I tend to clatter the clutch too. Just having a hard time with the damn clutch. I also have had a hard time getting into my garage as I have a dumb curb to go over and I get burning clutch just getting into the driveway. So my question is, is it normal to have burning smells well into 2,000 miles and when should I expect it to go away? I am thinking maybe I am just abusing my clutch! And yes I have been driving stick since 1988. ALL of my cars have been stick. Recently had a G35 and it was similar to the 370 but not nearly as bad! And I still have a 300ZX TT and the clutch is great on it.

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03-08-2010, 12:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
370Zvetlana Base Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal Posts: 131 Drives: 2009 370Z Black MT Rep Power: 15	is the smell normal when burning the clutch = yes is it good = no you really shouldnt be smelling it that often though. i just learned to drive manual last month, and only had the smell 2 times, always at a redlight on the same hill. when going from first to second, just be sure to not hold the clutch at the friction point too long after you get rolling, thatll help avoid the smell....and maybe a good air freshener for the car ;-)

03-08-2010, 12:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
blackflag Base Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: US Posts: 121 Drives: 2009 Z 6M base. Rep Power: 15	You need to get your foot off the clutch. Either it's up, or it's down. Not inbetween. Use the gas if you're stalling or lugging it, but not the clutch.

03-08-2010, 01:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
tjlazer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tacoma Age: 52 Posts: 2,496 Drives: Z34, R35 Rep Power: 19	God I feel like such a n00b to the Manual Transmission. But I've been driving them since the the 300ZX Z31 was in fashion. But wait, look at this article! lol 2009 Nissan 370Z: New Clutch Break-in

03-08-2010, 11:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
DooDooBrown Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ranson, WV Posts: 178 Drives: 09 370 Touring w/spt Rep Power: 16	Mine went into this mileage before I didn't smell it anymore... Remember to SLOWLY release your foot off the clutch and syncro. that with the gas... It went away for me after a while though!

03-09-2010, 12:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
370Zvetlana Base Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal Posts: 131 Drives: 2009 370Z Black MT Rep Power: 15	one thing i know i did when i first learned was when driving in traffic or at a light, i was giving gas to advance, then when i stopped giving gas and started slowing down, i would hold the clutch at the friction point to avoid stalling, thats what gives the burning smell and messes up your clutch. its always better to hold the clutch down fully to avoid stalling then to keep it too long at friction point (and better than not hold it down at all and stalling)