Clutch not disengaging

[petrolbloke]

My g/f has got a classic mini cooper (1994 L reg, SPI engine I think).

It hadn't been used for a while so last summer we got it MOTed again and took it for a run around the local villages (20-30 miles). Just as we got back from that run it was becoming difficult to select gears. The next time we tried to take it out we couldn't get any gears so gave up.

I do a bit of DIY spannering so have done some basic checks. The gears engage fine with the engine off and I can't see any fluid leaks.

After the first run out I did an oil & filter change using Shell HX7 10W-40 part synthetic but it didn't make any difference.

The slave cylinder bracket seems to flex a bit when the pedal is fully depressed but it is hitting the throw out stop.

I think I should try starting it in gear with the clutch depressed - that will tell if the clutch is not disengaging at all or just dragging.

Suggestions welcome! Hoping to get it fixed in the coming couple of months so we can try and use it a bit more regularly.

[woodypup59]

The usual problem is clutch drag ie not fully disengaging due to lost motion in the system.

Often its wear in the pivots of the operating lever from slave cyl to thrust bearing shaft. The pivot clevis and ball-in-a-hole joint in the thrust brg shaft are usually missed during lubrication & maintenance. See arrows below.

Some people bend the lever but thats a bodge. You could lengthen the slave cyl push rod to give more travel.

[annodomini2]

1st check for air in the slave.

2nd check the pivot as suggested above.

3rd put the right oil in, mini's need 20w50 mineral oil.

[George Smiley]

I had an issue where it stuck on solid and no amount of effort at the pedal would free it.

Bit of grease on the cable union at the clutch housing sorted that issue