Problem with 01 Galaxy

9st n 09

Had driven roughly 10 miles this morning and had stopped in shop. Car restarted, I pulled out of parking space, stopped waiting to get into traffic, gear wouldn't engage, smoke came out of engine and there was a horrible smell of burn in the car.
After a couple of seconds gear engaged and I drove home 3 miles. No more smell of smoke. Have started it a couple of times since and all seems well.
Clutch has been changed within the last six months. Any suggestions as to what could be the problem? My darling husband is America for week :rolleyes:. So do I risk driving it to mechanic in the morning to will I call AA to tow it?
Any suggestions / advice appreciated as though I am well able to drive the mechanics of a car are beyond me.

Nissan doctor

Was the flywheel changed when the clutch was? The VW flywheels are renowned for giving trouble.

was the car just sitting there with the handbrake on idling when this burning happened or were you holding the clutch waiting to pull out?

9st n 09

No idea about the flywheel, but a whole new clutch went in. Hand break wasn't on, I was holding the clutch waiting to pull out.

Mr Benevolent

You probably overheated the clutch. Try not to hold the clutch at the bite point for too long. Clutch should be ok as it's had a chance to cool down. I'd chalk this one down to experience and try not to let it happen again.

Nissan doctor

9st n 09 wrote: »

No idea about the flywheel, but a whole new clutch went in. Hand break wasn't on, I was holding the clutch waiting to pull out.

Thats it so. Thats the best way to kill a clutch. Use the handbrake to hold the car not the clutch!

9st n 09

Guilty as charged its my worst habbit. Will re introduce myself to the handbreak in the morning. Many thanks.