14 replies to this topic

[lewBlew]

Morning everyone

My Mayfair's had a very small leak from the clutch split pin for a few months now, a couple of drips a day. This week it's become quite a lot worse, like maybe 1/4 cup on the floor after a run. However the clutch isn't slipping or anything and it drives ok.

Can I just keep it topped up and wait until the clutch goes? Saying that, this has only happened since I topped up the oil last week.

Clutch is almost certainly original and has done just over 60k.

[Dan]

You can wait if you like, it will cause clutch slip at some point sooner or later. A clutch slip could end up putting you in real danger if it happens at just the wrong time, but then so could anything. This isn't one of the really dangerous things that can go wrong that would result in everyone telling you not to drive the car, but it could have major consequences eventually. If it were my car I wouldn't really have a problem waiting until it starts slipping, but the longer you leave it the more mess there will be to clean up when you do eventually change it.

[lewBlew]

You can wait if you like, it will cause clutch slip at some point sooner or later. A clutch slip could end up putting you in real danger if it happens at just the wrong time, but then so could anything. This isn't one of the really dangerous things that can go wrong that would result in everyone telling you not to drive the car, but it could have major consequences eventually. If it were my car I wouldn't really have a problem waiting until it starts slipping, but the longer you leave it the more mess there will be to clean up when you do eventually change it.

Thanks, that's very true. I'm getting through a lot of newspaper at the moment! I think I'll wait and see but it's high on the list of things to do..

[KernowCooper]

Just a a matter of course what oil have you been using?

[lewBlew]

Halfords Classic mineral oil 20w50.

[KernowCooper]

And the breathers are clear? have you removed the rocker cover and checked for crankcase pressure, could just be a case of a worn Primary oil seal but always worth checking.

Edited by KernowCooper, 18 April 2013 - 02:13 PM.

[lewBlew]

Breathers? There isn't one on the clutch, standard 998. From what I can see anyway...

[Dan]

No but what Kernow is referring to is that if the breather is blocked or is not connected up to the carb as it should be, the pressure inside the crankcase can rise and force oil leaks to appear where they otherwise wouldn't.

[lewBlew]

Which breather then, the one behind the timing belt?

[KernowCooper]

On your 998 have you a tappet cover with a breather pipe and/or the bigger timing chain cover with the breather in it

[lewBlew]

I have one on a tappet cover. I assume I have only one right? It's a standard setup. On visual inspection it looks undisturbed and no leaks or anything. How can I tell?

[KernowCooper]

Blow through the pipes will give a indication, and you can tell a lot by removing the rocker cover cap when idling over, surge of pressure is crankcase pressure and could indicate a blocked breather system or a worn engine with blow by in the bores

[lewBlew]

OK thanks will check.

[lewBlew]

I had a very quick look this morning, didn't get to do much of what you said but did check the oil filler cap on the rocker cover. When I took it off there was no release/gush of pressure but tickover did drop ever so slightly. Put my hand over and there was a bit of sucking pressure. This normal?

[KernowCooper]

As long as there was not a gush of air out then thats looking ok, recheck it hot though, the slight vacumm is because if you have the breather connected in the normal manner there is a breather pipe connected to the inlet/carb (depending on what type) drawing in crankcase fumes if any into the engine.