Slipping Clutch

[Sandgrounder]

Good morning all. I have been waiting for my mechanic to return my S3 with new clutch fitted (plus a few other jobs). However, it seems he has encountered a few 'issues' that will no doubt push the bill even higher
Yesterday, he told me that the gear change issue was now sorted, but on the test drive, under high load, the clutch started to slip. He tells me he has put a top quality clutch in.
He said that the slave had been adjusted as far as possible, but with my limited knowledge of clutch mechanisms, the only thing that can be causing the clutch to slip is pressure from the push rod on the lever that sticks out of the bell housing?! In other words, the clutch is not fully dis-engaged

It is always possible (though unlikely) that the replacement clutch has a fault, but can anyone think of something else that can be done? Otherwise, it's engine out again!

Thanks

[tvrgit]

I recalled Adrian's post from years ago and just found it while he was replying

OP - See here for details:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Sandgrounder]

Thanks for the heads up gents. Surely a decent mechanic would have installed the correct item, and visually checked the replacement part is identical to that removed!!

I await his next phone call with some anticipation!

[wizzer]

Is it correct that only the 2.8 Capri clutch will fit. As clutch replacement is looming up for me.

[Sandgrounder]

Having read the linked information, I am now concerned that my mechanic may well have installed the 'wrong' clutch. If the answer to Wizzers question is Yes (ie. it needs to be a Capri 2.8 clutch) then I will be amazed if my mechanic hasn't installed a Granada clutch.

I have a feeling I may need to re-mortgage!!!

[Sandgrounder]

Spoke to him this morning. He has indeed installed a Scorpio Clutch.
Waiting to here how the test drive goes, but now really worried!

[wizzer]

Adrian, can you assist with my question re type of clutch. I was told it had to be the Capri clutch as it was stronger as the gear box that is fitted is a Type 9 2.8 Capri box? Does that make sense?

[Sandgrounder]

Wizzer, I'm sure Adrian will be along shortly to confirm, but as I now understand (from reading the FAQ's) the correct clutch is the Capri 2.8 due to the difference in flywheels between the 2.8 engine and the 2.9.

My post is to ask any reader who has had there clutch replaced to advise which clutch it was and how many miles they have done since it was replaced. The reason I ask is that I am finally collecting my car on Friday. Mechanic has installed a Granada Scorpio clutch which I understand can possibly/probably cause clutch slip after bedding in.

I am trying to determine the difference between "possible" or "probable"?
If your responses show it to be "probable" (ie. most of you who have had Scorpio clutches have encountered slip) then I will negotiate an acceptable Warranty period with my mechanic (as he chose the clutch) based on the milage you encountered the problem.

If however it turns out that it is only "possible" (ie. some of you with Scorpio clutches have had slip but others not), then I will be a lot less concerned and won't push for extended guarantees.

Sorry to keep droning on about this topic, but I have spent a hell of a lot of money (due to my lack of hands-on skill) and need my pride and joy to be just right!!

Thanks very much.

Graham

[v8s4me]

Sandgrounder - if the mechanic says it's slipping then he's going to have to do it again. Fair play to him for bringing it to your attention but he's the professional so surely it's his job to sort it out. Why else are you paying him to do it? He had the old one for comparison so if he chose not to do a visual check before fitting then it’s his responsibility; isn’t it?. I wouldn’t complicate the issue by trying to tell him which is the “correct” clutch. If the one you tell him to fit causes problems then he can quite legitimately deny liability. Very simple for me to spout on when I don’t have to deal with your garage but you have my sympathy and so good luck with it.

[Sandgrounder]

V8S4ME, I hear what you are saying, but after adjusting the Slave, he tells me that clutch is now OK (not slipping).

So, if the car passes the test drive, I will pay him as there is nothing to complain about.

My concern is that I might experience the problem Adrian has identified (maybe after 3000 miles or so), hence my desire to get an acceptable guarantee, which is why I am trying to do some "market research" with the S fraternity!

Cheers

G

[v8s4me]

How about you ask for a 6000 mile/3 year warranty (the clutch won’t die of old age in 3 years) if he has any confidence in his workmanship he should be happy with this. If not, try your luck and see if he’ll accept payment for the parts only, maybe with a nominal contribution towards labour. If it was a really tricky job, taking longer than he thought, he may not want it back anyway and see this as cutting his losses. Then take the car to Adrian to have sorted out properly.