Chim clutch release?

[Oldwolf]

I'm at Le Mans and have posted this in the Le Mans thread but posting here in case any other suggestions or input.

I think the clutch release is going on my TVR Chimaera and wondered if there was a local mechanic who wouldn't be scared of a TVR smile
The car drives but sometimes when you engage first or reverse there's a rather unpleasant sound, the first time this happened the gear wouldn't engage but it is doing now.

I am at Spay campsite and can get lifts to the circuit and not use it until the return journey and I have international breakdown cover if needed but if I could get it looked at here that would be better.

Thanks in advance!

[lancepar]

If you haven't done so already, I would remove the cover over the clutch master cylinder and check if there is any fluid in it.

[Oldwolf]

lancepar said:

If you haven't done so already, I would remove the cover over the clutch master cylinder and check if there is any fluid in it.

Thanks, assume not
I think unlikely because surely it wouldn't engage at all if low fluid?
As I haven't yet purchased the Bible...where is it please? Is it the panel next to the brake fluid reservoir?

[lancepar]

Yes, secured by self-tappers and probably with sealant around it.

[Oldwolf]

Thanks, doesn't appear to be fluid related

[Steve_D]

Sounds to me like the clutch needs bleeding.
If you are in a LeMans campsite then I would start asking around to find someone who can at minimum diagnose it for you even if they can't fix it.

best of luck

Steve

[Oldwolf]

Steve_D said:

Sounds to me like the clutch needs bleeding.
If you are in a LeMans campsite then I would start asking around to find someone who can at minimum diagnose it for you even if they can't fix it.

best of luck

Steve

Thanks Steve, if I'm stationary it can do it in any gear but if I move the gearstick back to neutral and release the clutch it stops. It may or may not make the noise the next time I press the clutch and move the gearstick.
I'm with some kit car guys and they'd suggested the release.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Just as an aside. I always selected 4th before reverse & second before first. Stopped a whole load of crunching.

[Classic Chim]

Possibly a seized release bearing so scrapping the fingers on pressure plate and pushing through it.
If you can avoid using clutch as much as possible it might get you home but sounds like it’s a matter of time.
Any decent mechanic could fix it with a new clutch but it’s a gearbox disconnect job to do it.

[Steve_D]

I think I mis interpreted your description of noise so for clarity.
Are you saying the clutch makes a noise when you press it down and goes away when you let it up Or are you saying you press the clutch down and it makes a grating noise as you try and get it into gear.

If it is the former then it is a shot release bearing which will either be worn out and just very noisy but will get you home or it is seized and busy eating the clutch which may not last.
If it is the latter then all bets are off. Be as gentle as you can and minimise the gear changes. Pull away and stick into fourth as soon as you can. When slowing to a stop knock it out of gear and coast to a standstill.

Best of luck
Steve