[dmtashima]

Hey y'all

I was having some issues with my Camaro and thought I'd document the process so far for opinions and to hopefully be of help to someone further down the line, should they need it.

Recently, my car has had problems starting, the starter would spin but nothing else would happen and we would be unable to get the car to start.

Took the car to Puente Hills Chevrolet, probably the worst experience I've had this month. Sent the car to MK Smith Chevy in Chino, CA. They've been treating me very well and long story short, it turns out that the Starter Ring Gear completely split from the flywheel due to extreme heat from the clutch.

They are claiming that this is due to user error and therefore not covered under the warranty. This I actually understand, adult Male with a high power sports car, probably was thrashed on. The honest truth is I don't have the balls or the money to take the car to extremes as of yet and it's actually driven pretty mildly, mainly as a commuter and weekend cruising car. I'm sure that's what everyone says though, but I digress.

What I don't understand is how I could get the clutch so hot as to split the ring gear from the flywheel without destroying the clutch. The night before the issues started, the clutch felt fine, didn't feel soft, and wasn't abused etc. It was a nice freeway drive from the shop (It was there for running lights work) back home.

I'm a bit skeptical as to the reason for this damange to the flywheel and am more inclined to think that it is a mechanical defect. I could be wrong, feel free to correct me if I am. I also got pictures of the clutch and it appears to be worn more on one side than the other which is typically due to warping...but then again, I could be wrong.

I contacted GM corporate because I am of the opinion that it was NOT user error and I am waiting to hear back from them to see whether I get it replaced or if I am going to be in the market for a new clutch. I'll keep y'all posted, and I love to hear any opinions or tips if anyone has been through this before. Thanks guys.

-DMT