Discussion
Ey up lad, the most common reason for the fingers wearing thin is caused when drivers get to a junction or the traffic lights and push the clutch down and keep it there in gear. Probably because the handbrakes are poor I'd guess a few TVR owners do this. If there is going to be a delay, say, while the lights change, shove it into neutral and let the clutch up completely after putting the hopeless handbrake on.
The other reason is when the hydraulics for the clutch apply pressure even with the pedal not pressed. This was a big problem with the Fiat Punto and caused this exact fault, almost always at 40,000 miles.
Glad you're back on the road again.
The other reason is when the hydraulics for the clutch apply pressure even with the pedal not pressed. This was a big problem with the Fiat Punto and caused this exact fault, almost always at 40,000 miles.
Glad you're back on the road again.
QBee said:
What would make the clutch unusually heavy? Anything to do with the thrust/release bearing?
Just the design/construction of the pressure plate itself unless the slave is changed for one with a different bore.Bigger bore= less effort from the peddle but a reduction in movement at the slave arm, (so more push at the peddle to achieve the same movement).
QBee said:
What would make the clutch unusually heavy? Anything to do with the thrust/release bearing?
Again the most common cause of a heavy clutch - assuming the correct parts are used - is the pressure plate tangs (they are springs really) becoming stiffer due to heat and age hardening. Holding the clutch down at traffic lights, junctions etc causes heat as the release bearing presses against them. Most drivers seem to do this these days, its the way of the world 
Peugeot inserted a weak link in their cable operated clutches in the days of the 405. A plastic link would break when the pressure became too much. It was a warning the pressure plate was at the end of its life.
A new clutch plate, pressure plate, concentric slave (release bearing) and in many cases a dual mass flywheel, soon adds up. Maybe I should open a garage like yours Peter 
I have never damaged a clutch in 47 years of driving, and with the exception of the TVR, I always sit with my foot on the clutch at junctions, ready to go.
I only don't do that in the TVR because, even with a servo, it is too much like hard work.
So I hear what you are saying, but am not sure it is Alun's problem.
And it has failed in far too short a time. I doubt he has even done 10,000 miles on it
Could there be an answer related to the fitting of the clutch in the first place?
One that also explains why the clutch has always been heavier than the new one is?
I only don't do that in the TVR because, even with a servo, it is too much like hard work.
So I hear what you are saying, but am not sure it is Alun's problem.
And it has failed in far too short a time. I doubt he has even done 10,000 miles on it
Could there be an answer related to the fitting of the clutch in the first place?
One that also explains why the clutch has always been heavier than the new one is?
QBee said:
I have never damaged a clutch in 47 years of driving, and with the exception of the TVR, I always sit with my foot on the clutch at junctions, ready to go.
I only don't do that in the TVR because, even with a servo, it is too much like hard work.
So I hear what you are saying, but am not sure it is Alun's problem.
And it has failed in far too short a time. I doubt he has even done 10,000 miles on it
Could there be an answer related to the fitting of the clutch in the first place?
One that also explains why the clutch has always been heavier than the new one is?
From what you are saying about Al's clutch, it seems to be more like a manufacturing issue. While the box may have a big name on it such as AP, the parts inside could be from another supplier. Even Luk, the best clutch manufacturer by miles in my opinion, having fitted literally hundreds, will have Valeo and similar in the box (original parts on some European cars).I only don't do that in the TVR because, even with a servo, it is too much like hard work.
So I hear what you are saying, but am not sure it is Alun's problem.
And it has failed in far too short a time. I doubt he has even done 10,000 miles on it
Could there be an answer related to the fitting of the clutch in the first place?
One that also explains why the clutch has always been heavier than the new one is?
Of all the clutch kits I ever fitted only one failed (Nissan) and that was due to the pressure plate hardening way too soon giving a heavy and eventually rock hard clutch action. Returned under warranty with no arguments.
This is a pic showing early failure of a pressure plate. This has done just 5,000 miles. You can see the grooves being cut into the tangs where the release bearing fits.
Edited by N7GTX on Monday 25th September 10:27
The irony is I set my clutch pedal really high years ago to get it fully engaged when pressed down as my toes would hit the pedal arm and annoy me, so resting your foot on it is very difficult, this wound out clutch pedal then allows my foot to slip in between the brake and clutch pedal so as to rest on the floor.
The only time my foot hovers overthe clutch is between 1st and 2nd gear when setting off as I clocked myself doing it earlier, but I play drums foot up so I don't apply any pressure on the thing. It now has free play and easy to tell if I am.
Did I mention it's like a million dollars now
Best mod I've done to the car and I've said that a few times.
Tvr Servicing should set up as they do a damn fine job
The only time my foot hovers overthe clutch is between 1st and 2nd gear when setting off as I clocked myself doing it earlier, but I play drums foot up so I don't apply any pressure on the thing. It now has free play and easy to tell if I am.
Did I mention it's like a million dollars now
Best mod I've done to the car and I've said that a few times.
Tvr Servicing should set up as they do a damn fine job
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