Hydraulic Clutch Fault

[Nov-07]

Advice please.

Engine is a 1.8 K with an hydraulic clutch operated by a master cylinder and an external slave actuator engaging with the clutch operating arm. When all is properly adjusted and system bled, gears can be easily engaged. If, when in gear, the clutch is held in the operated position (pedal down) the clutch, after a few seconds, begins to drag, eventually stalling the engine. It is then not possible to change gears. After waiting a bit, normal service is resumed.

Is this a master cylinder or a slave cylinder fault?

 

[tangomikeromeo]

Sounds like a seal is failing somewhere and the fluid is circulating around the piston under pressure.

 

When my slave cylinder failed (suddenly and terminally) I was told that it's not uncommon given the exposed position.

 

If it's the master I think the level in the reservoir would raise as the fluid returns and the clutch engages. How you press the pedal and watch on your own might be tricky. If the level stays the same I accuse the slave.

 

But this is all based on theory - someone who may have seen will be along shortly.

[Nov-07]

Thank you, I will investigate using the length of 2"x2" wood method to depress the pedal while watching the fluid level.

Has anyone any experience of using a kit to rebuild a master cylinder?

 

[tangomikeromeo]

Only the experience that Northampton Motorsport said replace the whole unit rather than faff with seals.

 

(But that was the slave and I suspect Troy was being pragmatic about the cost of labour to change the seals vs. a new part)

[myothercarsa2cv]

Any reason not to go cable?

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

I ditched my hydraulic clutch of the type you have.

 

Unbolted both ends and fitted a cable to existing pedal and clutch fork. Took about 15 minutes.

 

So much nicer to drive now.

 

Should have done it years before.

 

Redline know which cable.