6 replies to this topic

[Rufus The Red Mini]

The clutch on my 1988 mini is original and had done 110000 miles. Still drives great, so I just wondered how long will the clutch last? I've checked the engine compression and that is fine. So I dont need to do anything with the engine. How will I know when the clutch is failing? I've got no issue with getting it done when needed. I have had the car since new and know it hasn't been thrashed, but it was stored for 20 years so I wondered how much it would have deteriorated. It's been back on the road for 18 months but only done 200 miles in that time. As I say it drives well and past 2 mots since it has been back on the road.

[Icey]

When you put your foot on the throttle and the revs rise but the speedo doesn’t that’ll be when it’s time to look at the clutch.

[Rufus The Red Mini]

When you put your foot on the throttle and the revs rise but the speedo doesn’t that’ll be when it’s time to look at the clutch.

So unless it fails completely like it did on my bmw mini I should notice it before it goes?

[Cooperman]

A classic Mini clutch rarely just fails due to wear of the clutch plate. As Icey says, normally excessive wear in the plate will show up as an initial slight clutch slip.

The reason for complete failure would be a defective master or slave cylinder, but in those cases the clutch will not dis-engage.

[Rufus The Red Mini]

Thanks for your replies. Will keep an eye out for any sign of slipping.

[coopertaz]

also keep an eye on split pin in bottom of clutch housing any oil here will give indication of main oil seal failure prior to clutch slipping. good to see minis don't always break. happy motoring

[Rufus The Red Mini]

Thanks. So far so good. Feel like 20 again when im in it!!!