14 replies to this topic

[FlatCapJoe]

Sometimes I find it very hard to get into first gear, almost as if I was trying without the clutch. Reverse is difficult too. Going up through the gears is always fine but coming down can be very hard. It's not all the time but now it's more regular. I wonder if the cold weather has made it worse and I sometimes leave it in gear as my drive is on a tilt and I don't fully trust the hand brake (on the list of jobs to fix) and I wonder if that makes a difference. Anyone else had similar issues and solved the problem? Clutch fluid level is fine but don't know what else to check.
It's a 1993 rover mini Italian job 1.3.
Thanks
Joe

[spiguy]

It could be that the clutch hydraulic system has some air in it, so that when you press the clutch pedal you are not fully disengaging the clutch. Might be worth bleeding it and see if that helps at all.

[cal844]

When does it do it, is it better when hot? When was the engine last serviced??

[FlatCapJoe]

Thanks spiguy I'll try that, can't do any harm.
Cal844 I'm not sure as I've only been doing short journeys recently so I haven't noticed it getting easier as I drive. We've been doing a lot of work on the engine, needed a new head gasket and changed the whole cooling system etc but I haven't fully serviced it in one go but it's had oil changes etc. Nothing done with the clutch or gear box though.

[bob540]

When does it do it, is it better when hot? When was the engine last serviced??

As a matter of interest, what would it mean if it did get better when the engine is hot?

[nicklouse]

what clutch?

Press pedal and see if the arm creeps back.

[FlatCapJoe]

Nicklouse pretty sure it's verto, the mechanism is definitely moving and it all works fine sometimes. Then other times it's like trying to change without a clutch at all. Looking for patterns for when it does and doesn't work.

[cal844]

When does it do it, is it better when hot? When was the engine last serviced??

As a matter of interest, what would it mean if it did get better when the engine is hot?

OP wondered if the cold could effect. It, if the fault is worse could be oil related?

[bob540]

When does it do it, is it better when hot? When was the engine last serviced??

As a matter of interest, what would it mean if it did get better when the engine is hot?

OP wondered if the cold could effect. It, if the fault is worse could be oil related?

I only ask because I'm facing a similar problem myself and it does seem to get better when the engine warms up. I'm hoping bleeding the clutch will sort it out.

[cal844]

When does it do it, is it better when hot? When was the engine last serviced??

As a matter of interest, what would it mean if it did get better when the engine is hot?

OP wondered if the cold could effect. It, if the fault is worse could be oil related?

I only ask because I'm facing a similar problem myself and it does seem to get better when the engine warms up. I'm hoping bleeding the clutch will sort it out.

Check around the slave cylinder for fluid dampness, you will probably have to replace it

[FlatCapJoe]

I'll be checking these things on Sunday when I'm off work, def didn't get easier as it warmed up today. Hopefully just needs a bleed.

[nicklouse]

so have you pressed it and watched if it creeps back?

 

does it move further if you pump the pedal?

 

if yes to the first then seals.

 

if yes to the second then air is in there but how did it get there. Seals

 

if neither then it could be the clutch release (but you tend to get noise with that) so I would say syncros in he box.

[FlatCapJoe]

so have you pressed it and watched if it creeps back?
 
does it move further if you pump the pedal?
 
if yes to the first then seals.
 
if yes to the second then air is in there but how did it get there. Seals
 
if neither then it could be the clutch release (but you tend to get noise with that) so I would say syncros in he box.

I'm not sure what you mean by creeps back. Do you mean it works first then gently creeps when the pedal is still down?
I won't get a chance to look until Sunday. However I used the car today and it was much better. The only thing that's changed is the weather is much milder and I've been driving, let's say, more considerately. Does driving style have a big impact on this type of thing?
I may just replace the seals and bleed it to eliminate those possibilities.

Edited by FlatCapJoe, 01 December 2015 - 10:47 PM.

[spiguy]

bleed it first and see if it improves. While you are doing that, look for any signs of fluid leaking at the slave - also check for any fluid in the drivers foot well (which would mean leak in the master cylinder). Hopefully it will just be a leaking slave cylinder. 

[FlatCapJoe]

bleed it first and see if it improves. While you are doing that, look for any signs of fluid leaking at the slave - also check for any fluid in the drivers foot well (which would mean leak in the master cylinder). Hopefully it will just be a leaking slave cylinder. 

I have noticed before the carpet on the drivers side is slightly wet but I haven't noticed the clutch fluid dropping over the past year so a leak may be unlikely. It all worked perfectly on the way to work today. Again mild weather and driving it gently. Still definitely a problem somewhere.