Club 80-90 Forums

Could somebody please suggest what could have happened?

Sat at the lights, clutch pressed in and in 1st gear. Started going and the bite point was unusually low.

Next set of lights. In 1st gear with clutch pressed in and the van started moving. I immediately pressed the brake and it stalled. I didn't lift the clutch peddle and I'm sure I wasn't pressing the accelerator.

Wouldn't go into gear after trying a few times. Then it simply went into gear and the van drove fine!!

Any suggestions or thoughts would be great. Thanks, Jon.

It sounds like failing hydraulics. A seal somewhere isn't sealing, and clutch fluid is seeping out.

My guess would be the slave cylinder seal. Slave cylinder is top left, where the gearbox joins the engine. If you prise up the edge of the rubber cover, you'll probably find it's full of fluid. If it is, just change the cylinder.

If it's not that, it will probably be the master cylinder down by the driver's feet.

Been there, done that!
This is a very likely cause:

colinthefox wrote:It sounds like failing hydraulics. A seal somewhere isn't sealing, and clutch fluid is seeping out.

My guess would be the slave cylinder seal. Slave cylinder is top left, where the gearbox joins the engine. If you prise up the edge of the rubber cover, you'll probably find it's full of fluid. If it is, just change the cylinder.

If it's not that, it will probably be the master cylinder down by the driver's feet.

Thanks. Will have a nosey at those.

Oldiebut goodie wrote:Been there, done that!
This is a very likely cause:

Thank you. Is that the end of the bar that runs the underneath of the van?

Clutch pedal end, clevis pin and related pieces - you can't see the wear until you take it off. Not a very nice job to do.

Thanks. Glad it's not the actual clutch or gearbox. Would you recommend changing the master cylinder at the same time?

Check for the leakages first then you can operate on the old girl if needs be once you have an idea where the problem is.
If it is wear in the clevis you may be able to feel the clutch pedal action has a slight notchy feeling on pushing down on it.

Had a look today and it seems to be the slave cylinder. £60 from Brickwerks should do the trick.