Clutch?

[size13]

I'm afraid I have to admit to owning a Lotus and not knowing much about car mechanicals.

I can do brakes and stuff, but more than that (under the engine) and I'm lost.

Anyway, yesterday morning I couldn't get the car into reverse to get it out of the garage. I can push the clutch pedel in almost all the way before I can feel any presure on it. I'm now struggling to change gear without de-clutching between changes.

Has the clutch packed up, or can it be adjusted?

Sorry to sound dense - I am trying to learn!

>> Edited by size13 on Wednesday 23 November 12:05

[dern]

Do you know if the clutch is hydraulic or not? Check the reservoir and see if there's any fluid in it?

Mark

[size13]

It's Hydraulic, and the fluid is full.

According to the manual...

"The clutch release is operated hydraulically by a master cylinder and self adjusting slave cylinder"

>> Edited by size13 on Wednesday 23 November 13:14

[dern]

It sounds like despite the fact that you are fully pressing the pedal the clutch is not fully disengaging. Can you get someone to press the clutch pedal while you watch the arm at the clutch end to see if it's moving correctly?

If you can't do that then you could try bleeding the clutch. It's pretty easy (same procedure as bleeding the brakes) and you should, once bled, know that the hydraulic system is ok unless there's a leak. If there is a leak then either all the fluid will escape on to the floor or bind the pedal which you will be able to see or the performance of the clutch will gradually get worse and either fluid escapes from the leak or (more likely in your case as you don't appear to have run out of fluid) air gets in.

That's what I'd do at any rate.

I think that if the clutch itself had failed it would have failed completely and you wouldn't be able to get it in any gear or you wouldn't get any drive.

Good luck,

Mark



>> Edited by dern on Wednesday 23 November 13:24

[size13]

Thanks Dern,

I'll try out all you suggest.

Ta

[GavinPearson]

Bleed the clutch thoroughly.

Check to also see that the mechanical mechanism side is working correctly. In some cars the manufacturer uses a lever on a cross shaft which can then crack at the weld - solution there is to replace the shaft.

[gentlefoot]

I have the exact same problem on my sierra but it only happens occasionaly so don't worry about it. Besides I just wack it into gear. The car was £250 and when I switched my insurance over to it my insurers gave me back £300! he he.

[size13]

gentlefoot said:

I have the exact same problem on my sierra but it only happens occasionaly so don't worry about it. Besides I just wack it into gear. The car was £250 and when I switched my insurance over to it my insurers gave me back £300! he he.

Unfortunately my car is appreciating at the moment and I don't want to kill it!
I did have to whack it into gear the other day to get home.

I'll try bleeding it this weekend.

ta

[size13]

Update:

Drained, flushed and refilled the clutch fluid and it's now better than ever.

Thanks for all the advice!