clutch problems - very bad

[DublinTVR]

Hi all,

I bought a 2000 Tuscan from a private seller 1 month ago.

Over the past week I've started having problems getting it into gear and the only way i can get it moving now is by starting it in first gear and letting it jump forward.

I can't coast in gear (if it is in gear and the clutch is pressed down it still acts like it is in gear) so if i am in traffic i have to stop the car and restart it in first

It was serviced by Castle TVR 2000 miles ago and it was fine when i bought it so any ideas of what could have gone so wrong so soon?

Thanks

Edited by DublinTVR on Wednesday 27th June 19:27

Edited by DublinTVR on Wednesday 27th June 19:31

Edited by DublinTVR on Wednesday 27th June 22:15

[slowtypa]

Hi Ed,

Sounds like either the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder rubber seal has failed,check fluid level to confirm.

[DublinTVR]

Thanks, is it ok to bring it into a general clutch place for them to have a look?

where is the fluid level to check please?

Big job?

Edited by DublinTVR on Wednesday 27th June 20:30

[Gazzab]

You really need to get it to a decent garage. Preferably one that knows its TVRs. A poorly fitted clutch (easy to do) wont last long.

[DublinTVR]

Unfortunately I live in Dublin so they are few and far between.

Can't afford the expense of getting on a trailer, I've only had it 5 weeks ffs!

[Gazzab]

Its the ups and downs of TVR ownewrship I am afraid. Find a good reputation garage that looks after perf cars (porsche, ferrari etc..?)

[chris_tivver]

With that era of Tuscan there have been problems with the fingers on the clutch. I had it happen on my old one. Replacement clutch job

Warranty covered in theory but they only paid for the single failed part of clutch assembly even though you had to replace whole assembly grrr

[Chalky White]

Mine went after only two weeks of ownership. The clutch design does seem to be one ofthe weak spots on early Tuscans.

[Steve_T]

Dublin, it's just a hunch, but have a look under the car and make sure that all the bolts that attach the bell housing to the block are actually present. Ask me how I know this ... I don't know if the bell housing is the same on the S6, but on the Cerb there are five bolts, three are plainly visible once you get the car on a ramp.

Depending on what facilities you have a available to you, it's entirely possible with some help from this forum that you can sort things out yourself. PH'er Mad Mark has changing Cerb clutches cracked and wrote a fitting guide some time, I don't see why a Tuscan clutch would be much different to sort out.

Good luck mate,

Steve.

Edited by Steve_T on Thursday 28th June 08:55

[V8 Kieran]

My tuppence.......

Had exactly same symptoms - annoyed as had clutch cylinder replaced couple of months before. Turned out simply not bled or sealed properly and an airlock had appeared. One quick bleed and good as new - think it cost a ton including recovery - phew!

[sjwb]

First, check the following.
What does the pedal feel like? Is it soft, mushy, is there excessive free travel, if you pump it does the clutch clear? The answer to these questions will help speed your diagnosis.