Clutch issues

[tdog7]

Just after some opinions from the Tuscan owners out there. I have a Tuscan 2S, currently on 24,000 miles, with its original clutch. Most of the time I don't notice any issues, but if I'm in a lot of stop-start traffic, particularly going uphill, I do notice it starts to slip. Does this mean I need a new clutch, or is this a symptom of the clutch getting hot, and possibly going to occur with a new clutch too?

I don't want to shell out £1000 and find I don't notice much improvement. It's my weekend car and not tracked (yet...)

All thoughts and comments gratefully received.

[m4tti]

Change it before you get stranded and add to the myth that tvrs have crap reliability.

[maxclark91]

No clutch should slip no matter how hot. Usual tvr rule applies replace with an upgraded part. Lightened flywheel at the same time maybe

[m4tti]

Picture of a light weight flywheel on my build thread if you check the link in my profile.

I used the rebuild able helix clutch from tvr parts.

[Speed 3]

I must admit I'm mystified by all the supposed short clutch life issues. Mine is an original on 55k, one previous owner swears he never had it changed and knowing how meticulous the history file is, I trust his word. Usual story is fingers breaking and that's supposedly caused by sitting on clutch in gear when stationary. If yours is actually slipping I'd investigate other issues before electing to bin it.

[m4tti]

If the clutch is truly slipping then the friction material has had it.

Fingers are a separate issue. They become work hardened over time after many actuations, and then fail. Fingers failing result in you not being able to activate the clutch at all, making gear selection difficult or impossible.

[tdog7]

Thanks for the replies. There is no problem engaging gear at all, and most of the time no issue with clutch slip. It's only if I'm stuck in stop-start traffic that I notice anything. Perhaps a new clutch and lightened flywheel is the way forward.....

[Basil Brush]

I don't think I've ever heard of a Cerb or T car getting to the point where the clutch was worn enough to slip. The fingers usually give up long before then.

[ChrisTuscan]

I would check to see if the slave cylinder is leaking fluid onto the plates. If you look under the car at the front of the bell housing you may see some fluid. Next time it is slipping pull over and stick your head under the car. I am not sure if the rear crank seal leaking would also cause this - either way if you can see fluid and it is clear then it is the slave - if it is dark then crank seal.

The fact it is happening in stop start traffic might be due to the heat from the exhausts causing the bell housing to expand and reduce the efficiency of seal between the bell housing and the slave. Either way it should not leak.

However I have never seen a problem with the clutch slipping intermittently so I am literally clutching at straws.

[Walford]

junk the cats

[Basil Brush]

Speed 3 said:

I must admit I'm mystified by all the supposed short clutch life issues. Mine is an original on 55k, one previous owner swears he never had it changed and knowing how meticulous the history file is, I trust his word. Usual story is fingers breaking and that's supposedly caused by sitting on clutch in gear when stationary. If yours is actually slipping I'd investigate other issues before electing to bin it.

It's an exceptional one then if it truly is the case. The slave seals give up with age and heat and the fingers start failing with use so usually at least one of those gets you after 5 years or 25k ish miles.

[s6boy]

Certainly wouldn't say exceptional, not the norm maybe but I'm now on 62k and sure I've read of others around 70k on a related thread.


eta: I've had mine for 10 years so know the provenance

Edited by s6boy on Wednesday 17th June 07:57