weird clutch behaviour
Discussion
OK, drove into work today, everything was fine, cluch disengaging/engaging ok. Stopped off to pick up some petrol. Restarted car, pulled forwards to free up the pumps behind me. Clutch FULLY down, footbrake on, I can hear the clutch dragging as the engine is labouring slightly. Come off the footbrake, car moves forward (clutch still fully down).
Stop engine, all pedals up. Restart, everything back to normal - finish driving into work. Hope I can get home now.
What's up now?
Stop engine, all pedals up. Restart, everything back to normal - finish driving into work. Hope I can get home now.
What's up now?
Some of the clutch fluid may have got past the seal in the master cylinder when you pressed the pedal, so the clutch only partially disengaged. Check for a leak from the rubber dust seal around the pushrod (that's connected to the clutch pedal). A similar thing may have happened at the slave cylinder, but it's more difficult to see if it has leaked.
jonathant said:
Hmm, I presume leaks from the slave cylinder will work their way onto the floor eventually. Whereabouts should I look?
If the master cyl starts weeping, you will get fluid on the pedal (and carpet)... a couple of drips goes quite a way.
They seem to do this just for the sport and although not expensive, changing the cylinder is a bit of a faff (easier with an able assistant).
Anyone know who might stock a seal kit for the cylinder as I have one lying around that I may as well refurb for a spare?
The slave cylinder is mounted on the offside at the bottom of the joint between the engine and gearbox bellhousing, very easy to see with the car up in the air. Without the car up in the air, a leak here can be confused with a leak from the crankshaft rear oil seal or even the sump gasket.
The repair kit for the master cylinder is a Lucas SP2102: good motor factors can supply them for less than £10. Although the cylinder is a TVR special, it is made by Girling and has the same innards as the one used on some Hillman Imps and one of the Mk 1 or Mk 2 Cortinas (the Lotus, I think)
The repair kit for the master cylinder is a Lucas SP2102: good motor factors can supply them for less than £10. Although the cylinder is a TVR special, it is made by Girling and has the same innards as the one used on some Hillman Imps and one of the Mk 1 or Mk 2 Cortinas (the Lotus, I think)
Cider Andy said:
The slave cylinder is mounted on the offside at the bottom of the joint between the engine and gearbox bellhousing, very easy to see with the car up in the air. Without the car up in the air, a leak here can be confused with a leak from the crankshaft rear oil seal or even the sump gasket.
bum. I did notice a short trail of drops of black stuff round about where you're describing when I backed out this morning. Are the seals for the slave cylinder replaceable or should I just change the whole slave? Approx costs for either would be hugely appreciated.
Edited by jonathant on Monday 12th June 12:58
good point cracked finger seen this thing happen on a number of cars that a fluid change cured,trouble is garages overlook fluid change as its not considered important,unlike brakefluid change,mind you seen a lot of garages miss that as well.brake fluid acts strange when its absorbed moisture.
crackedfinger said:
I used dot 5.1 brake & clutch fliud from halfords. Worked well through the recent hot weather. Went through more than I needed to as the level kept dropping too fast when pumping and drawing in air, the fluid tank is so small!
May as well flush through the whole pack, you weren't going to put an opened bottle on the shelf for later use, were you?
update: checked the clutch fluid level last night to find the "tank" was practically full. Trev's going in next week anyways so I'll get the garage to flush it through.
Out of interest, how much will I need and what colour should it be. The fluid in the tank looked crystal clear....?
Out of interest, how much will I need and what colour should it be. The fluid in the tank looked crystal clear....?
Mine was full too, but the fluid had gone off. Was ever so slightly yellowish when compared to 5.1, which is coloured like water. For me the effect of flushing the fluid out has been quite am improvement, but you do have worse symptoms though. Fingers crossed that new fluid is the (cheap!) solution.
update: my local checked the car for leaks (of which there were none related to the clutch) and the clutch fluid level which was fine. They've flushed through and bled the system and the clutch has been absolutely fine since then.....
Thanks to everyone for their help and advice.
Thanks to everyone for their help and advice.
Edited by jonathant on Friday 28th July 17:17
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