Suspected clutch seal issues

Suspected clutch seal issues

Author
Discussion

TimJM

Original Poster:

1,497 posts

209 months

Saturday 18th October 2014
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Here are a few pics I took. The black sludge was all over the cap and throughout the fluid.




Here you can see some of the particles:


I think this is probably whats left of my master cylinder seals.

FarmyardPants

4,099 posts

217 months

Tuesday 28th October 2014
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After filling and bleeding my clutch I've driven it once and the clutch felt fine. I am going to try and drive down to Bournemouth (round trip of 170 miles) so just checked the reservoir and the fluid was down by about 10mm. Looked clean though. Still can't see any fluid in footwell or under the car. Topped it up again, fingers crossed!

If I end up being recovered back, I'll have the AA drop me at APM, if you're reading Andy! smile


TimJM

Original Poster:

1,497 posts

209 months

Tuesday 28th October 2014
quotequote all
I haven't got round to fixing mine yet. Been flat out with work.

I am going to try bleeding the clutch (not that it will help) but I just want to get all that crap out the system. If the clutch works well enough for a 15-20 mile drive I can get access to a proper lift and it will make the job much easier than my gravel driveway.

scerbera

102 posts

113 months

Tuesday 28th October 2014
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If you don't have lots or roundabouts or stops you can drive with out the clutch just about. Even if it means a few top ups on the way. When mine went twice I started in gear then changed without, just make sure you pull it out if you come to a stop well before you need to stop. keep engine running for vacuum on brakes. then stop and into gear and start.

I wouldn't want to do it many times due to strain on the starter but it was seemingly fine with mine for about 10 of these starts. If your on a slight hill down then you can of course use gravity or the synchro very gently to get you going. again not recommended to do more than a few times!

FarmyardPants

4,099 posts

217 months

Tuesday 28th October 2014
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True enough, it can be done. I managed to drive 135 miles with no clutch in an old vauxhall cavalier once. The cable snapped as I changed into top/4th on the slip road to the motorway, I just carried on and managed to get to my destination. I remember changing the cable lying under the car in snow/slush frown

I have the AA repair warranty which pays the first £475 of any breakdown that can't be repaired at the side of the road. This is why I'm waiting for it to give up the ghost.

But in any case I got back from Bournemouth no problem smile

ukkid35

6,138 posts

172 months

Tuesday 28th October 2014
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FarmyardPants said:
I managed to drive 135 miles with no clutch in an old vauxhall cavalier once.
I drove my 928 back home to London from the Ring with no clutch, after the release bearing sheared as I changed gear coming out of the Fox Hole. Norfolk Lines were very helpful, as was my neighbour who used a Pelican crossing on the North Circular to help me get home without having to stop at an awkward junction. Because I chose to leave in the middle of the night to avoid traffic, it was one of my quickest return journeys too.

Mr Cerbera

5,031 posts

229 months

Thursday 30th October 2014
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Hi Tim(OP),

If you can get hold of a hypodermic needle then drain the master reservoir first, before putting any fresh fluid in the system.
I have an (unproven) theory that the crap that is resting in the reservoir is the quickest way of ruining (what's left of) your seals.

I would also recommend flushing more than 1.5 litres of fluid through the system. I had so me air in which took an absolute age to drain out.
Fine after 1.5 litres though.

p.s. Instead of blowing £70 odd smackers on a Master Cylinder why not just get the new seals from HERE

Edited by Mr Cerbera on Thursday 30th October 16:46