I just put a used tranny in my FC. Now when I push the clutch in and put it in gear (with clutch still in) the revs go up and down and it sounds like its momentarily under load. After a while the clutch starts smoking under the car. Also, there is a faint but undeniable grinding noise coming from the clutch/tranny area.

I'm sure I bled the clutch alright. My FC is an S5 and I think the used tranny I got is an S4. I reused the S5 clutch slave cylinder and throwout bearing.

Any ideas on what could cause this?

 

Well the grading noise could be the pilot baring.

If the clutch is smoking while you're pressing on it, it could be that you need to adjust the peddal travel underneath the steering column.

If you look at the peddle assembly you'll notice that on the clutch arm (where you put your foot) has this brass colored pole that goes into the clutch master cylinder.
On that pole is a nut where you can adjust how far that pole goes into the clutch cylinder.

Try extending it all the way out thus when you press down the pole will engage the clutch at maximum and hopefully you won't see any more smoke.

 

Yeah, I'll try adjusting the clutch today. I looked in the manual and it said that the clutch pedal should have about 1/8" of free play. I probably have 3/4" or more.

About the throwout bearing, is it a bad idea to continue driving the car? I can't see it really doing any damage until it seizes up.

 

Um not sure about that.

I screwed up my pilot bearing swapping out trannys.
And I haven't fixed it yet. So we're in the same boat.

It could also be the throwout baring too. But I donno.

Hope your clutch doesn't burn anymore.