8 replies to this topic

[Shylos]

I have had plenty of fun with my Mini which has been off the road some time - first with servicing the carb and then a fuel leak - and I thought it was ready for MOT...

Unfortunately I had pushed it outside to sort out the leak, and when it was done I though I would drive it back in. I went to push the clutch down to put it into gear and it wouldn't budge. I assumed it might just be a bit stuck after sitting there for a while so I pushed a bit harder and got it down... but then it wouldn't come back up.

I know absolutely nothing about clutches (although I do have my Haynes!); I have searched the forums and found various threads that may be related, but unfortunately possible solutions are all a bit of a mystery to me because of my lack of knowledge, or don't seem particularly relevant.

Could anyone point me into the right direction in terms of things I can try to loosen it up? I am hoping it is a short term simple issue due to it not being used for a while, rather than a major problem...

Thanks for any help.

[Vinmin]

sounds like the master cylinder has had it

[Algordo1100]

Try tapping the arm? Ive had clutches 'stick' on standing but soon come back to life with persuasion and pumping.

[Shylos]

By arm... (told you I know nothing about clutches!) would that be this chap?

Edited by Shylos, 25 April 2013 - 04:20 PM.

[Alex_B]

Crikey thats a bit crusty but yes thats the sucker, it normally gets stuck on the pivot so some persuasion with le hammer and le block of wood and some grease of some kind and when its free use the clutch pedal to get it all moving again

[Shylos]

Perfect!

Took out the washer bottle and the air pipe thingy, covered the arm in 3 in 1 then loosened it with a bar.
Pumped the clutch and it stuck again, more 3 in 1 and loosened it once more then bam! Pumped a little until all the way and good as new.
Thanks for the advice - sometimes need that bit of confidence to go at something with a bar!

[Alex_B]

If that was me I would be looking at in the not so distant future taking a few bits and bobs out to clean up and paint the subframe, clean up the plate that holds the slave cyl etc etc as its all looking a bit tired but glad its working :)

[Shylos]

Yes that's definitely on the to do list. Hoping to get through the MOT for the summer shows and then do a lot of maintenance!

[johnnyblaze]

yeh a very good cleanup looks imminent, id also suggest replacing both pivot pins and use ANTI SEIZE on them, and either replace or rebuild the slave , a clutch re-adjust and it will be like new you wont belaeve how good it will be