It is possible that the new clutch had a defect. Been there done that! Common failures have included the center springs or the lining rivets failing. Outside of the clutch itself a bad clutch fork assembly can cause a quick failure or clutch chattering and oil contamination will also do a clutch in. 

Dennis

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Cunegonde
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 6:42 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Seattle Vanagon Transmission Service Recommendation?

So... a friend did something terrible to my brand-new, <500mi clutch. Burning smell and shuddering when shifting. I assume the plates are warped or friction  surfaces damaged. It drives, but not for long, I suspect.  

So, where does the list recommend? I have an appointment with Peace Vans, but that's two weeks from now.