Alfa Romeo Repair: Poor Alfa 147 performane, aceleration, dull spots

Question
Hi Stephen
I own a 3.5 year old Alfa147. Recently I have noticed poor aceleration as I go through the gears.There also appears to be less bite as I release the clutch. At times when I accelerate I notice 'dull' spots where the car does not seem to be responding to my foot on the accelertor. I fear it might be a clutch problem!! Any ideas?


Answer
The safest way to check for a slipping clutch is to approach an uphill grade at a steady speed in third or fourth gear.

When on the grade, push the accelerator to the floor and observe the tachometer and speedometer.  If the tach rises
quickly and the speed stays the same or rises slowly then the clutch is slipping and needs to be replaced.

A properly used clutch should last at least 150,000 miles.

I apologize for the delay. A glitch occured when I originally answered your question.