Sticky clutch pedal

Post by **ding-dang-dhu** » 20 Aug 2007, 19:32

Just back from 600 mile trip to Mull, and have developed a wee problem with the clutch pedal. It sticks half way up in low gears. Tapping it gets it to ping back into place. Anything to worry about? It doesn't happen all the time.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 20 Aug 2007, 20:17

Has it had a new one fitted recently??

Either way.. more than likely the arms that push on the release bearing have flats on them.. these need fileing into a nice rounded shape... especially when a new bearing is fitted..

Afraid its an engine out job!!!

Post by **ding-dang-dhu** » 20 Aug 2007, 21:25

eeek you are kidding right?

It has had a re-con engine about 30,000 miles ago, not sure about the clutch.

So I suppose some grease aint the answer..............Sh*t

Post by **toomanytoys** » 20 Aug 2007, 21:49

Nope.. unfortunatly it would be an engine out.. and no grease and you wouldnt get it in there in any case...

sorry...

could be as simple as the slave cyl has a leak/needs bleeding etc, so work checking.. but symptom is typical of flatted release arms..

Post by **ding-dang-dhu** » 20 Aug 2007, 21:55

Thanks for taking the time to reply mate, will take to garage cross the road.

Cheers

Post by **toomanytoys** » 20 Aug 2007, 22:28

AS I say get the hydraulic circuit checked out... could be something wrong there... before the engine comes out..

Post by **HarryMann** » 21 Aug 2007, 00:23

Yes, the slave cyl piston can have a habit of sticking in the bore, usually well towards the bottom (limit of travel).. pushing the clutch down just far enough to release and no further might help to diagnose it... can remove the slave and check, and clean for full smooth travel or replace.

Si, Don't you mean a box out job, not an engine out job ??

If you want to diagnose Si's theory, which is indeed a good possibility (he first pointed this out to me many years ago now, so I always check for flats and deburr the edges)..

then drop the salve off and away and try using a long tube over the op arm manually, se if you can feel a sticky point..

If you think so, a short term solution might be to add a fairly hefty return spring to the arm, to assist, but will raise pedal pressure... a suitable bungee cord might work, or again, at least help diagnosis.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 21 Aug 2007, 07:31

engine out, box out.. all the same really... ok suppose box is a bit easier...

Hadnt heard that the slaves cyls can stick.. but good test for the clutch by actuating it manually..

My spare syncro box has a very horrible clutch actuation.. heavy and graunchy.. and its because the arms are in poor condition (I didnt get chance to weld and regrind, only able to take the corners off)
the caravelle clutch is so light it makes you think it isnt working!!!

Is the pedal heavy on the way down?

Post by **ding-dang-dhu** » 21 Aug 2007, 08:20

toomanytoys wrote: Is the pedal heavy on the way down?

No not really, I have had auto 4x4's for the last 5 years so its been a while since I have used a clutch. I have had the van for a month now, it did it once or twice when i got it. But on this last trip after 600 miles, it was doing it nearly all the time. I took it for a spin last night. 20 miles and no problems. It sticks just as the gear is engaged, in low gears, with no noise from it or anything. I just give it a soft tap and it springs back in place.

Thanks guys for being so helpfull, any more suggestions would be great.

Cheers