Clutch fluid leak! Is my car safe?

[shortlad]

I don't know if anyone read my earlier thread regarding adjusting my pedals right out.... well just got in after doing it and have a question and a problem

The throttle pedal doesn't adjust, why is this? I have taken the clutch and the break out to the max (being a short lad!) and they are quite a lot higher than the throttle, is this safe/ok?

The problem I think is a little more serious. The cluth pedal felt wet on the back so got a tourch and oh sh*t is that clutch fluid? Well I assume it must be not being that mechanically minded. It seems to have been leaking for some time as there is grime stuck to the fluid and its on the carpet. Is the car safe to drive? I have a warranty that came with the car, I'm assuming/hoping that this will cover it but just watched the weather and here comes the sun...... oh! I don't want the car to be off the road when the sun finally comes out

Help!

[wildego1]

Fear not, I had the same wet clutch (Glad I'm not a bird saying this)it turned out to be a bug*rrd master cylinder. It dripped and dripped ruining several left shoes and one mat then it was repaired under warranty.
I dont think it was dangerous but changing gear is much easier now its been done.
I would'nt leave it too long before getting it done though, one presumes that the fluid resevoir does eventually dry out leaving you to drive home in whatever gear you happen to be stuck in.

[shortlad]

Now I know what's happend to my left white trainer!!
Not so white now!

[shortlad]

Sorry forgot to ask.....

Did they replace the knackered carpet as part of the claim?

Was it the TVR used car warranty or new car?

Did it take them long to fix?

[shortlad]

I've been told that it should be ok to drive, just check and top up the clutch fluid.

Anyone else out there driven their car with this problem while waiting to get their car fixed?

[Incorrigible]

I'd take the carpet out if I were you, it could be argued that you knew fluid would drip on it if you used the car

Also a leaking master is less likely to stop you getting home (than a slave). If the fluid does all leak out, the rest of the system will still be full, just fill up the reservior again and you "should" be OK

250ml bottle in the boot essential I reckon

[malman]

Just had the same problem fixed. If the clutch reservoir gets v.low you will notice that the pedal feels sloppy as you start to push and the firms up towards the bottom. You will also find the clutch bite point gets closer to the floor as more fluid leaks. Mine started getting tricky to select first and second at standstill. The reservoir is in drivers side wing. Lift the bonnet put up the holding stay and then look straight down at the funny lump/black(possibly) cover. That cover has the clutch fluid reservoir underneath. You will need to cut the mastic off around the edge and then take the screws out. Mine also had double sided foam sticky pad stuff underneath the cover so took some getting off.

I didn't notice the leak until there was quite a bit of air in the system so topping up didn't make that much difference on mine. I had to bleed the system before I drove it to the dealer.

Good news is it only takes and hour to fix so get it booked in while there is still some chance you might get some sun.

I'd be surprised if they swap the carpet. Is it really dead or does it just need cleaning. It should come out easy enough for a wash.

Safe to drive? Depends how fast its leaking. If it leaks enough probably end up stuck in 1 or no gear.

Hope that helps

Neil

[shortlad]

Well I'm really confused now!!!!

I took the cover off and had a look and the cluth fluid was fine, in fact looked very full. HHuummmm

I'm starting to think that maybe the leak was some time ago and the resedue is what I've seen. I've wiped up the resedue and am going to keep an eye on it.

In the emantine it is booked in just in case.

Strange. Will contact the dealer that's serviced it from new to see if they can shed any light on this one.

[Mark.S]

When I had a leaking master cylinder on my previous car, the fluid level never dropped noticeably. It was only the occasional patch of fluid on the mat the prompted getting it repaired.

[shortlad]

Mark.S said: When I had a leaking master cylinder on my previous car, the fluid level never dropped noticeably. It was only the occasional patch of fluid on the mat the prompted getting it repaired.

Thanks for that. Will get it checked out now it's booked in.

[jev]

From the experience of my previous car (non-tvr) a little clutch fluid can go quite a long way. Also as it heats up, it gets thinner and so is more likely to leak. Usually brake fluid & clutch fluid are the same stuff so just top up as necessary.

Usually leaks due to the cylinder rubbers going (although visably they will proabably look OK). Very cheap to replace just can be time consuming. Did both master & slave cylinders in about 2 hours in the pouring rain in Krackow (on my spitfire - no idea how easy it is on a TVR - the problem will be accessability). The rubbers are a good spare part to carry!

Finally, the problem with such leaks is that one day you will get in the car, put your foot on the clutch and it'll go straight to the carpet (and, of course, the car won't move!) This could be anytime or anyway (such as Krackow....)