Clutch issues (I think)

[SMartin]

Hi,
Just hoping someone can help me diagnose a problem with the clutch. I'm reasonably sure I know the problem but I just want to affirm my suspicions. I've only previously worked on Aircooled beetles and they seemed slightly simpler :]

I let a friend borrow my '86 camper for a short holiday and he ran into problems on the way home and had to be recovered. I've had a look at it today and the simplest way I can describe the problem is that is will get into all gears no problem but there is no drive. If I put it into reverse I think I can feel it 'biting' a little.

Now I'm assuming it's just simply a worn clutch, the reason I'm asking is that it wasn't a gradual problem. It was working perfectly well when I passed it to my friend. He didn't describe or notice any of the typical symptoms you'd expect when a clutch is on the way out. It just simply stopped working.

I'd appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

Cheers

[Oldiebut goodie]

CV joints?

[SMartin]

I did have a look at those but I can't see anything wrong. I'll have another look now and report back

[SMartin]

Ok, a quick visual inspection and they seem fine. Everything secure and tight. I've tried turning the wheels by hand with the van jacked up and they feel as though they're engaged ok. Though they didn't feel any different whether it was in gear or not. Is there a better way to check or do I need to take it apart?
Cheers again

[Aidan]

in gear with the engine off you shouldn't be able to turn the wheels as they should be connected to the engine by the clutch so if you can then sounds like an input failure of some sort and gearbox out is the next step

[SMartin]

Thanks for the reply Aidan. I'm just wondering, if the clutch is worn, would I still be able to turn the wheel freely as you described? I mean am I at a point where I can count out the clutch slipping and narrow it down to something else? I'm not going to be able to carry out the work myself due to time and space at the moment, I'm hoping to be able to specify the fault and find someone I can trust locally to do the work asap as I have an lpg conversion booked in with Steve at the end of the month.
I should've guessed something would happen in the meantime :p

[Aidan]

in gear one wheel on the floor the other one shouldn't turn if it does then either the clutch has failed or the input shaft is no longer connected to the mainshaft or the pinion head has broken off the pinion shaft or somesuch other major gearbox failure, and if this is the case then once gearbox is off then all will become obvious as either clutch will be broken or the input shaft will come out if pulled on end or will rotate freely in gear without the diff rotating and draining the oil will produce evidence of failure

[SMartin]

That all makes sense. I think it highlights the need for someone that knows these vehicles to do the work. Thanks for the explanation Aidan