Clutch Issues

[dumpy]

Hi

The van I am 'babysitting' while it's owner is away has developed a problem with the clutch.

The pedal feels light and springy yet doesn't seem to disengage the clutch; though with the engine off I can locate each gear.

I have contacted the owner who said this has happened before when it's been sat for a while (as now) and that pumping the clutch regains the pressure. He did this himself abour 6 months ago and it ran fine after that. 5 weeks ago I had the van serviced and they seemed to do everything for the price they charged! Following the service we did about 600 miles around Wales and all was well. Since then it's been sat. Oh and it had a brand new clutch last year.

The clutch/brake resevoir hasn't dropped dramatically, just above the MIN line, and i've topped it up to MAX to be sure.

I've read the WikiHelp but am not sure its the same scenario as described in there.

It also seems odd that ven after 30 mins of pumping it won't even give a little control, as i've read this can be a quick fix in order to at least move the vehicle to a garage or what have you.

There's also no puddle under the vehicle.

Think that's all the details - can anyone help?

Many thanks


'Between vans and hating it ' Chris

[Hacksawbob]

bleed the clutch hydraulic line, the bleed nipple is accessed through the engine bay on the left hand side.

[clartsonly]

either the clutch pipe has split, possibly above the fuel tank or the slave cylinder has gone, my advice would be to get under the van (with protective glasses of course) and get someone to press the clutch pedal, maybe you will be able to hear some hissing. and or feel around the slave clyinder to see whether there is a load of clutch fluid around it..

topping up the clutch fluid after a leak will not help until the system has been bled so it is possible there has been a slow leak for sometime and as soon as the level went below the min it has pushed a load of air into the system.