4 replies to this topic

[Calderwood]

Hi, I have a 1999 Mini mpi, so  a 'verto clutch' model. It has a problem with the clutch, that I thought might be slipping, but that doesn't seem exactly right. 

 

Basically the bite of the clutch is very high (as in, when depressed, I only need to release a little bit to engage the drive, correct me if I used the wrong term), but I have only driven a auto mini before so perhaps that is 'how they always were'.

 

The main problem is that hard acceleration in pretty much any gear will cause jerky acceleration, feels like a jerky kick-down change on an auto. It is only about a one second delay, foot down, then a punch of acceleration. I always thought the revs would just endlessly rise with a slipping clutch? It has had no problem pulling up-hill in top gear either, which is why I am confused. Or could this just be the beginning of the end of this clutch?

 

It has only done 45k on it, but then late 90s rover steel, plus a-series gearbox and an unsympathetic owner could equal this i guess, but i did buy it from an old couple who owned it from new. Could it be something else? I really don't want to replace another clutch after having just done the one in my BGT (which was engine out).

 

Thanks

[KernowCooper]

With it biting at the top of the pedals travel indicates the pressure plate only needs lifting a very small amount, the jerking could just be the clutch is weak and not locking up as quickly as it should, when they slip bad as you describe with the revs rising is when they are completly worn out, yours |I suspect is not long for this world and maybe time now to do some preventive maintenance before the slipping of the centre plate builds enough heat that the surface of the flywheel suffers heat cracking and needs replacement as well.

[Calderwood]

Is there anything I could do to test this without getting the clutch plate out, I have found it to be worse once the car has got up to temperature if that means anything? The weird thing is is that it passed the slipping clutch test of releasing the clutch with no revs in third - as you would hope it stalled, which a slipping clutch wouldn't. Unless like you said it is just beginning to go?

[KernowCooper]

Your test it not quite accurate its 4th gear and 2000rpm and see if it stall then I suspect your is on the way out and not just quite there yet, You will be shocked I suspect when you strip it the centre plate will be worn down almost on the rivets ?

 

There is also the other possibility that the big red primary gear seal is letting a bit of oil on the plate which could also cause a bit of juddering, best to fit a new one when the clutch is out. Have you any oil at the very bottom of the transfer housing where the split pit is? this if wet indicates a small amount of oil is present inside the clutch housing.

Edited by KernowCooper, 30 April 2013 - 02:24 PM.

[Calderwood]

Ok, well from everything you said I think I am just trying to kid myself it isn't the clutch plate now. So obviously i need the clutch plate and the red oil seal, do I need anything else, or anything else worth replacing at the same time?