clutch problems

[16tvr]

Just joined and aving a few probs with clutch, all started when started to get probs finding reverse n then first gear particularly wen stationary which is generally wen u need both of em. This continued till no way in except to put in gear before turning key but then cudn't get out of gear. Prob appears to be hitting floor b4 bite point n now will not go into any gear except wen switched off!!! Fluid was low but now topped up. Has clutch gone n if so does any one know a garage in wolves whose £eyes do not light up when u say TVR!! Prob really basic, but as i enjoy drive rather than mechanics (2 left Thumbs) and as this is my only car n my job helpin kids wiv drug probs relies on transport can anyone help. My fiancee's brother knows his stuff and p/t mechanics so he'll understand the tech jargon. Many thanks

[WildfireS3]

Try bleeding the clutch first, as well as checking for leaks from the master and slave cylinder. If these are all fine then the clutch will have gone. You're looking at between £300 - £500 to have the clutch replaced depending on where you go.

[BERGS2]

same prob here - my slave cylinder was knackeded - could top it up - but was still weeping fluid

got new slave cylinder from David Gerald - 80 quid delivered -

www.davidgeraldtvr.freeserve.co.uk/

good luck!

[16tvr]

Thanx will try to bleed n then if no luck try n find sum 1 who doesn't want to bleed me for fixing it!!!!anyone who knows a good garage near wolves plssssse pass it on

[mycroft]

I had the same problem, just had new master and slave fitted , cost £47 & £54 I think about £130 with VAT and post. A mate did the job for me and including an oil & filter change charged me £60.
There is a good chance its the slave they do tend to wear you can repair them its up to you if you think its worth it.
Like Chris says you should be able to bleed the system and get your clutch back, on my car toping up the master (attached to the top of the pedal just under the bonnet) and a bit of pumping the clutch was enough to do the job.

[keirangrogan]

BERGS2 said:

same prob here - my slave cylinder was knackeded - could top it up - but was still weeping fluid got new slave cylinder from David Gerald - 80 quid delivered - www.davidgeraldtvr.freeserve.co.uk/ good luck!

Ouch, when mine went I replaced the seals £5 a go one set for each Cylinder

[bugsy]

This is apparantly a common problem, my s3 is difficult to get in to 1st and reverse, I put in in 5th gear first.
It could be one of the cylinders, or it could be wear in the remote mechanism on the gearbox.
If you want a mechanic try Horizon at Cradley Heath on 01384 566660
Regards
Bugsy

[bridgdav]

Funny you should say this...

Mine started doing just that in LeMans this year.. I put it down to the heat and heavy use in traffic..

Topped up with fluid several times over the last few months...

Whilst the car was at Austec last week they changed the seals in the master and slave. They come as a kit.

Kit plus 1.5 hrs labour £80ish.
All done as part of other work.

Clutch is fine now, no problem getting in any gear(apart from the usual S traits)

Dave

[BERGS2]

bridgdav said:

Clutch is fine now, no problem getting in any gear(apart from the usual S traits) Dave

Crunch into reverse?

[WildfireS3]

I find that I really should go into 1st before reverse if the car's cold. But I'm having the slave and master cylinders looked at in a few weeks, due to my lack of facilities.

[sotonS2]

I see a common theme here.

Mine has been fine since I've had her....but - Earlier this week, go for reverse to back the S out of the garage and it will not have it. Eventually engages with a crunch.

Went out for a spin and it just got worse and worse. It got to the point where even with the clutch pedal depressed fully 1st gear was still part engaged and the car would pull forward but I didn't dare take it out of gear for fear of losing all of them.

There are loads of old threads dealing with the symptoms and the cure for this problem. Looks like I'll be doing some of that this weekend.

[WildfireS3]

Definitely check the fluid level. When I checked mine you could only just about see it. Topped it up and all was fine. I reckon the slave could be on the way out, as the master is dry.

[Dodgy Dave]

Doh, I read this yesterday thinking mine suffering a bit when going into reverse and 1st.
Then last nigh it just got worse and worse. Can still drive it dont like crunching reverse. At least the mini is happy again!

Anyway I called TVR Power to speak to Dom who wasnt there so was given Adrian Venn's number and was told he is the man for TVR S's.
Spent some time on the phone to him getting advice but the most enlightening point was that TVR never used the std ford clutch in that car. they used an AP job which you can no longer get, well you can if you dont mind spending 300 on the plate alone.
Apparently when the AP one goes and you buy the std ford one you must modify the flywheel for it to fit.
The flywheel touches the rivets on the plate and it falls apart after a couple of years! Nice!!!

Still I was looking forward to getting the engine out and it looks like all the nice weather is finished with so dont mind.....much

[WildfireS3]

I wish I still had the facilities to do that! Hmmm so what's the option then?

[Dodgy Dave]

The option is £110 on a clutch kit and lots of
or pay someone to empty my bank account.
Or did i miss something?

[WildfireS3]

Right, so if the clutch goes then you're bd!! Nuts! Well I'll have to find out how much this will cost.

[Dodgy Dave]

If it starts to go then first bleed the system and top up. If that doesnt work then check master and slave cylinder for leaks. You can buy new seals for the pair but you can only do this once. If you cant tell or find out then just buy a new one(s).

If its none of the above then its between 300 and 500 to get the plate changed in a garage. I would imagine 300 is for your local garage who wouldnt know you need to modify the fly wheel for the clutch to actually last more than a year and the 500 for this Adrian Venn chap or tvr power perhaps.

[WildfireS3]

Had a word with HHC they want £485. What exactly goes into modifying the flywheel?

[Dodgy Dave]

Quite simply just machining the wheel back only 1 or 2mm in the area where it is fowling.
Any engineering place will be able to do for a few pounds but Burton power in london have a workshop next door with a chappy who can do this with his eyes closed.

[WildfireS3]

Why did I move north!!!??