V8S Clutch problems

[Andy V8S]

Great weather so decided to go for a run, about 5 miles from home the clutch decided to lock solid, the pedal does not move and I can't get it in or out of gear with the engine running.
Plenty of fluid and both master and slave cylinders renewed about 1000 miles back.
Any ideas?
I suspect that the pressure plate has gone but there is no slipping of the clutch.
Anyone replaced a clutch on a V8S recently, how much and what sort of a job?

[johns3]

I once had a similar problem with a previouscar. Clutch went to the floor, wouldnt change gears, fluid was finee. Turned out to be a split pedal box that needed welding. Probably not the same problem but nobody has answered your post yet.

[Andy V8S]

John
Thanks for the reply, I have been searching the S forum and found a couple of threads where the master or slave cylinder has for some reason jammed solid, as my pedal is locked solid I think that mine could be the same problem. Guess both will be coming off in the morning.

[silverback mike]

Andy, a different car I know, but my 944 suffered with a similar problem. The clutch pedal used to stay on the floor after depressing it.

After umming and aarring for a while I changed the slave cylinder....it was better....so then changed the master cylinder, which fixed it for good.

Similar symptoms, different car but same principles I think.

[GreenV8S]

If you open the bleed nipple on the slave, that would tell you whether the master has jammed?

[keithyboy]

Andy - I've has similar problems in the past - solid pedal no movement. It turned out the clutch actuating fork had broken at the shaft/release bearing end and jammed as a consequence - apparently this is an inherent weakness and not without precedent. Take a look at the fork first before you start messing with the master & slave. I do hope it is one of the two cylinders though, otherwise it's an engine and/or box out jobbie!!

[Pies]

If it turns out to be the fork drop Nick a line as he had his redone not too lomg back

www.pistonheads.com/members/showProfile.asp?memberId=18507

[larryb]

Andy

I have recently had similar problems. It resulted in an engine out job and new release bearing/fork thingy.

Let's hope it's the cylinders!!

Good Luck

Larry

[Andy V8S]

Just checked the cylinders, both move freely, the release arm moves back and forth but appears to be at the end of it travel without any resistance, i.e. you can push it towards the back of the car to the point where the actuating rod from the slave cylinder disappears right inside the bell housing.
Looks like it is the fork that has gone, is there any way of seeing inside the bell housing without removing the engine and gearbox?
Looks like I will be off the road for a few weeks!!!

[monzaredv8s]

I've just had the same problem which you've described. Offord motors sorted it in a few days. The gearbox had to be removed but without removing the engine.

[Andy V8S]

If you don.t mind me asking what sort of money did Offord Motors charge for the repair, I was thinking of doing it myself but if the price is right it may be worth getting it done by a dealer.
If you would prefer, drop me am email via my profile.

[monzaredv8s]

Andy

YHM

[z_chromozone]

monzaredv8s said:

I've just had the same problem which you've described. Offord motors sorted it in a few days. The gearbox had to be removed but without removing the engine.

I think Mr Tickle must be working at Offord, there is not a lot of room under there

Z

[honourablepickle]

mr tickle with thin lond fingers strong enough to do bolts up with out a wrench
i had a good look at mine on the weekend whilst changing the transmission oil and agree that if the box needs to come off i'd rather take the front end of the car off and whip the lump out with all the bits attached rather than try to change the box in situ - but then i'd rather do more easy work rather than less hard stuff

reb

[Psychobert]

Arse.

Am down in Penzance for Christmas and the fork snapped at 4pm on Christms Eve. Definately the fork, both cylinders are fine.

Anyone know the part no? Is it a case of replacing just that or should look at anything else while I've the box out?

[pies]

nawarne recently changed the fork from plastic to metal IIRC

[Psychobert]

Cheers Pies.. Nick, YHM

[Andy V8S]

The problem on my clutch turned out ot be the "Fork arm", this pivots on a steel ball and the ball had punched it's way right through the steel fork arm.
I purchased a new Arm, Slippers and Fork Pivot Post (with the steel ball on the end) from S & S Preparations.
Part numbers are as follows

Clutch Fork LBU1234 £22.50 +VAT
Clutch Fork Pivot UKC13 £9.5 +VAT
Release Bearing Carrier Slippers 159003 £1.30 +VAT for two

You will need to add carriage to the above prices.

Link is
ss-preparations.co.uk
They carry a comprehensive set of spares for the Rover V8, most of which appear to be "off the shelf".

Best option is engine out as far as I can see, once I had the engine out, I got a bit carried away and now have a full body off job and have replaced the out riggers, painted the chassis and am in the process of refurbishing the engine.
I have kept a full photographic record which once I have worked out how to host it somewhere I will put up for anyone interested.
Hope this helps.

Andy

[spivvy]

Andy more than happy to host this for you on the northampton tvrcc website ,when you are ready email me and i will see how you can get everything to me

we already have a S and griff body off library on their so a V8S would be a nice addition

[keithyboy]

Psychobert said:

Arse. Am down in Penzance for Christmas and the fork snapped at 4pm on Christms Eve. Definately the fork, both cylinders are fine. Anyone know the part no? Is it a case of replacing just that or should look at anything else while I've the box out?

Replace the clutch for sure - silly not to whilst you've got access to it