Clutch problem

[rocket]

Just collected my Cerb ('98 4.2) from it's 12k mile service on Friday. 2 new exhaust manifolds and a few other bits n bobs gave me a £2k+ bill. Disappointing, but there you go.

Then, having done 150 miles or so, I suddenly noticed it becoming hard to change gear. I wasn't far from home, and managed to get it back on my driveway. Now, with the engine running I can't get it in any gear at all. With the engine off it's fine, so this suggests clutch rather than gearbox. There is still the normal amount of resistance in the peddle, so I'm also thinking it's a problem with the clutch mechanism rather than loss of fluid (haven't checked the fluid level yet though).

My question is, is there anything done in the service which might have contributed to this? There was no work done on the clutch system that I am aware of, but with some fairly extensive work being done on the engine (with the fitting of the new exhaust manifolds), could something have been disturbed in any way?

Cheers,

Neil

[jamer]

Sounds like your centre section has broken, it happened to me on a 1999 T Straight six in January this year, it had 23000 miles on it, 1 owner and very well cared for.

I can't see it being related and think it's just one of those things.

[ridds]

Good 'ol release arm? maybe?

[kojak69]

Fingers on the clutch diaphram spring may have broken. Exactly the same on mine, 4 months ago. Warranty companies paid a third of the total cost. Would have been £1200. I had to pay for an 'upgrade', due to the original clutch no longer being available. Upgrade was basically a new flywheel to accomodate different clutch.
Check oil anyway, but i think it'll be the above.
If oil on your pedals, then master cylinder gone, and cheap to replace. Oil on floor, then its the slave, and costs a lot more.

[bilton_d]

It sounds like clutch fingers, i had my clutch changed recently along with the flywheel total bill was about £1400 warranty holdings took the big hit.

[rocket]

Thanks for your comments guys. I'm thinking the same thing...clutch fingers or release arm (£££ more ouch!)

This morning I spoke to the dealers that serviced it, and they say that the problem is purely coincidental and would be nothing to do with the work they did. Anyway, the plan is to get the car back to them later this week and take it from there.

Cheers,

Neil

[t8rus]

sorry to hear your bad news hope its not serious, i wondered why i didn't see you at sundays meet at the forresters. how come you had to have new exhaust manifold?

[rocket]

Hi Russ,

I knew that one exhaust manifold was blowing, and I thought that they would be able to weld it at the service. However, the garage said that both were cracked badly and were beyond repair. The car now is going back in on Saturday to have the clutch sorted....£££££!!!!

Have a good Crimbo, and hopefully to see you at the next Mid-Essex meeting (providing I've got the car back?!?)

Cheers,

Neil

[Julian64]

Rocket. Is yours a V8? If so I would be grateful if you stop the garage throwing your old manifold away. I would rather like to collect it off you for a nose around.

[rocket]

Julian,

Yes it's a V8. There's a good chance that the garage will have binned them already as that work was done last week. I'll ask them and let you know.
(Just out of interest..what are you looking for?)

Neil

[Julian64]

Sorry, rude not to let you know. I want to Oxyacet weld manifold thickness and shape metal. I kind of want to practice the art.

If I produce something not too scruffy, I'll give it back to you as a spare. If I competely screw it then I'll practice on it until I can be confident of my abilities.

[yellow peril]

Hi Neil,
i wondered why you were not at the Mid Essex meet as you were so keen to start a thread in Mid November.....

Sorry to hear about your problems...........hope it turns out to be the cheaper option given all the work you've had done recently!!!

Hope to see you at the new year Mid Essex meet.....Happy Christmas.


...///P//

[rocket]

Thanks Pauline. The car has now been AA recovered back to the garage. I'm not sure how quickly they will be able to fix it over Crimbo, but hopefully we'll have it back in time for the Jan meeting!!

Hope to see you then,

Neil

[rocket]

Just an update on my clutch problem.....
It did indeed turn out to be broken clutch fingers. So, new clutch, flywheel and cylinder seals (strangely the car was already fitted with the newer style bellhousing), and another £1400 bill!!!

Picking the car up on Saturday...can't wait!

Should hopefully be at the mid-Essex meet on Sunday.

Cheers,

Neil

[GCerbera]

rocket said:

Picking the car up on Saturday...can't wait! Neil

Glad it's nearly back ( sorry about the dent in the wallet though )

Will you use it for Le Mans?

[rocket]

GCerbera said:

Will you use it for Le Mans?

Hi Graham,

Certainly will be using it for Le Mans. Booked to travel on the 07:34 Chunnel crossing on the Thurs, and staying in Houx. Looking forward to it already!!

Cheers,

Neil

[GCerbera]

rocket said:

Certainly will be using it for Le Mans. Neil

Excellent, I'll be taking mine and am in Houx as well.
Not booked the travel yet though, possibly going Tuesday or Wednesday, back Monday.

I went to Le Mans 1983 - 1993 but have not been back
since ( other than for the kart racing ) so I can't
wait and I'm certainly looking forward to taking a Cerbera!

[arcbeer]

Ow! Sorry to hear about the bill Neil.

I'll see you at Le Mans too.

[Julian64]

rocket said:

Julian, Yes it's a V8. There's a good chance that the garage will have binned them already as that work was done last week. I'll ask them and let you know. (Just out of interest..what are you looking for?) Neil

Did they get binned?

[rocket]

Julian64 said:

Did they get binned?

Julian, yes, sorry, they'd already been scrapped.
Neil