"JJ" <ok@Ono.com> wrote in message
news:LChKh.13018$uo3.5907@newssvr14.news.prodigy.n et...
> What are the symptoms of a worn clutch?
> My 98 Accord has 184,000 on the original clutch. The last couple of
> mornings on the way to work I had some troubles.
> The pavement had a slight snowcover and I started out in first just fine,
> but when I shifted to 2nd, the car started bucking. kinda like wheels were
> slipping, then catching, slipping then catching. I shifted to 3rd and all
> was fine. This happened two days in a row and I caulked it up to
> wet/slippery roads. Then yesterday, coming home from work on dry pavement
> in a rush-hour crawl, the same thing started happening. OK in first,
> crawling along in second gear and it starts bucking again, like the wheels
> are slipping.
>
> I'm the original owner and have never had anything like this happen. Is
> the clutch going? Or???
> Thanks!
>

Because of the behavior when you shifted into second, and especially the
bucking, I'm going with TeGGeR - the engine is stumbling. If it is overdue
for a tune-up - use only OEM parts except plugs - that's a good place to
start. You will also want to add a bottle of Techron to the tank or at least
fill up with a "top tier" gasoline (I like either Chevron or Texaco/Shell)
to clean the injectors.

Worn out clutches are easy to recognize. The problem is most noticeable when
letting the clutch out; the engine continues to rev as though you were
slipping the clutch. It gets bad in a hurry, often within a week.

Mike