clutch problem

[leroiandjayne]

if the clutch plate becomes contaminated what do you do about it? does it have to be replaced?,also whats the hole on the top of the clutch housing for that has the plastic "bung"?.

[Ian Hulley]

The hole is a flywheel inspection port. The only thing you can do is replace the clutch (I wouldn't replace just the friction disc as unless it's a VERY recent clutch it's un-economical). The main issue is to identify and cure the source of contamination.

Ian.

[leroiandjayne]

ok,well problem started on way back up from dover,monday,started slipping in 5th then 4th etc,shuddering like hell on driveing off.back home next morning theres a pool of oil under the engine,checked levels and theyr fine,went through mot today no probs,drove home 9 miles clutch slipping again yet it was fine on the way there,chap said they had to push him off the rollers!!! got home and an hour later theres more oil!!! methinks maybe gasket between gbox and engine is shot,what do you reckon ian? i do plan on changeing complete clutch anyway,bugga

[Ian Hulley]

what do you reckon hulley?

Hulley reckons you need to find out if it's engine or gear oil that's leaking .... otherwise Hulley thinks you'll be needing a gearbox very soon as well.

Hulley.

[leroiandjayne]

methinks those words are wise and our thought is similar,also i think its gear oil as the engine levels were higher today than yesterday,does that mean that its seeping into the engine? is that possible? thanks ian

[kevtherev]

does that mean that its seeping into the engine? is that possible? thanks ian

Don't be silly

[leroiandjayne]

ha ha i know,thing is that the oil seems very thick and has a small amount of colour like used oil but it seems to be seperating and leaving a thick residue,i think its a stripdown jobby,what dyu reckon?.

[Ian Hulley]

Gearbox oil smells of garlic engine oil smells of engine oil. If the engine really isn't losing any oil then we both know the answer.

May be the gearbox input shaft seal ... pretty sure there's stuff about it in the wiki.

Ian

[pionte]

Gearbox oil smells of garlic engine oil smells of engine oil. If the engine really isn't losing any oil then we both know the answer.

May be the gearbox input shaft seal ...

Ian

Gear oil smells fowl... should be easily identified , if not rub some on your fingers, then remove dipstick and compare smell/texture.

my money would be on the crank shaft seal gone.

[Ian Hulley]

my money would be on the crank shaft seal gone.

Mine too IF the engine is losing oil ...

[leroiandjayne]

i would say its lost about a small cup full since monday night and i cant see where its coming from yet but def on left hand side, thanks i'll keep you posted. cheers mate

[leroiandjayne]

done the comparison test and they both smell same,missus says so too so at least me gearbox aint going to seize just yet hey,is it a big job for the crank seal?

[Ian Hulley]

is it a big job for the crank seal?

Box out, clutch off, flywheel off, remove old spigot bearing, remove old seal (taking care NOT to bugger up the shims) fit new spigot bearing (which you've had in the freezer overnight ) fit new seal, fit new flywheel O-ring, fit new clutch etc etc tricky and heavy work on your own.


Ian

[leroiandjayne]

im going to have to get a mortage at this rate eh!!!!! many thanks for your help and advice chaps,cant complain about me bus tho she just did us 2.6k down south of france and home carrying rather alot of weight. cheers

[pionte]

As Ian says, It is possible to do on your own ( I did mine ) but... the gearbox is very heavy, as It contains the differential as well, I knew that I only had the strength for 1 attempt at lifting it back in... after that my arms would be shot.

much easier if you have a mate to help.

If you do the work yourself then new clutch ( complete ) from Brickwerks , dont buy cheap.... really dont want to be doing the job twice . Is around £120 , seal about a tenner . Allow a day to do the work, including lots of tea breaks.... or a garage would probably charge 3-5 hours labour plus parts .

Its not complicated, just dirty heavy work.

good luck

Martin