My 1997 Neon lost it's Balls and we need them Back!!!

[ryndavis10]

I have a 1997 Neon, Standard Transmission. It has 111,000 miles on it and I loved the power it had from a stop. As with all of us, it has been getting older and loosing a little bit it of it's get up and go. But 2 weeks ago I took it to see the in-laws, (bad omen there) and the trip took us thru a couple of mountains. Along the way I noticed that my Neon was loosing quite a bit of it's power going up hill, even when down shifting. We have made that trip many times and never had a problem. By the trip home I was making deals with the Neon that if it would just get us home, I promised to not use it for anymore long trips, rather just to commute 4 miles to and from work. The Neon held up it's end of the bargain and I am in turn holding up mine. The issue I have is that I since returning from the in-laws, as I am letting off the clutch I have to have the gas almost to the floor to get moving. This happens in first, second and third gear. It just seems like my Neon has lost it balls and it frustrates the crap out of me. I still need it to get to work but I have to rev it up so high just to start out, I am wondering if anyone has some idea of what could have caused this and what kind of remedy is available to me. I just moved to a new town and have not found a mechanic yet, so I would like to know what is going on before I go to the shop. Thanks in advance for your help.

[sir_bryan]

does it rev good or is it slow to rev? if it revs fin then the clutch might be slipping badly. if it revs slow look and fuel filter.

[ryndavis10]

It revs fine. Would a regular mechanic be able to tackle this problem or do I need to take it to a clutch shop?

[sir_bryan]

most mechanics will be able to solve that problem. there are some shops that wont do major repairs but most will. figure about 200 in parts and labor guide calls for between 3.9 and 4.1 hours to replace. shops charge around 65-70 bucks an hour. so around $470 to do the job.

[ryndavis10]

Thanks I appreciate the advice.

[fredjacksonsan]

Before you pay for a clutch, when you're giving it the gas and it's not speeding up is the engine revving higher? If not, it's not the clutch, and it's time for a comprehensive tune up, plugs, wires, etc.

[ryndavis10]

The engine was revving up real high, but it would not speed up. I had the clutch replaced last week and I must report that my Neon has it Balls back!!!

Zeus be praised. Thanks to all of your help.

[sir_bryan]

glad i could help

[mjohn]

How much did you pay to have the clutch replaced?
And, at 111,000 miles that seems soon?

[TEXSRT4]

111 miles for a clutch isnt too bad! most guys who beat on their car replace them well before that!!!

[BleedDodge]

A full load of people in a little car like that, with that many miles certainly wouldn't have pulling ability with a worn out clutch like that. One person would be alright with no hills I'd think, but driving through the mountains with everyone in the car would give you problems for sure...