5 replies to this topic

[gromit]

My mini is almost ready to mot and I just finished fitting a stage one kit to get it running again. It's sat around for two years but has been driven a few times without problem. Yesterday I started it and pressed the clutch but it was really stiff and the peddle stayed down and I can put it in gear with the engine running.
Removed the clutch cylinder and the clutch is still engaged. Any ideas? I guess it's just stuck on the splines.

Think I have found the name of my mini PITA (pain in the ass).

[cradley-heathen]

i would think the simplest thing is that the clutch arm is sticking, just spray it in wd40 and leave it for half an hour, i bet that will free it off. the steel arm is prone to getting stuck in the end of the casing when it gets full of muck and corrosion

[gromit]

I will give it a try tomorrow night after work and hope it's an easy fix.

[gromit]

Had a good look and the slave cylinder was stuck solid. Managed to knock the piston back and now the seals in the master are knackered. Just ordered a new clutch master and should be up and running before the weekend.

[tiger99]

I strongly recommend that you also change the slave cylinder (maybe you have already), because if it was stuck, the bore is scored and/or corroded, and it will fail very soon. I also recommend changing the fluid more frequently, every 2 years for clutch and brakes, even if the car is laid up, as it saves a lot of aggro and expense later. You may want to try some brake grease (the red stuff, compatible with brake fluid, and rubber) or some silicone spray grease on the outer part of the new slave piston to discourage corrosion from external moisture. (The rubber boot never makes a perfect seal, and every time the piston moves, or the temperature changes, moist air is expelled or drawn in.)

[gromit]

New master cylinder fitted and the clutch works perfectly but going to fit a new slave cylinder when I get paid. Not worth breaking down when a new one cost £20.

Thanks for the advice guys.