22 replies to this topic

[Martymini]

Hi all,

First up I'm new to all this but myself and the 8 year old son are keen to learn

 

As stated on the introduction section I have a 1997 JDM mini cooper. It's a mpi/spi hybrid. I think another way to describe it is it's a Jap spi on a mpi block? But im open to correction on this.

 

So here is my first problem.

Didn't fire her up for a couple of weeks and the clutch pedal is stuck, freely goes down about an inch then it stops dead, no give at all. Didn't notice any issues previously.

 

I'm going to try and investigate this myself so a couple of questions if I may.

 

Any tips to try and free it up before I go digging? Start in gear etc?

 

If I need to get stuck into it would I be correct in saying I need to take out the dash and work from there?

 

Any other tips?

 

Apologies for the beginner questions so please be nice, thanks

 

 

[cal844]

Try start in gear with the handbrake on, has worked for us in the past.

Check first that the clutch arm and plunger are free, simply use a pry device to push the arm toward the inner wing with a little force.

[Martymini]

Try start in gear with the handbrake on, has worked for us in the past.

Check first that the clutch arm and plunger are free, simply use a pry device to push the arm toward the inner wing with a little force.

Thanks cal844. Much appreciated.

 

I'll try that and revert back.

[nicklouse]

ok so pedal moves a bit but what else does or doesn't that should?

[Martymini]

ok so pedal moves a bit but what else does or doesn't that should?

Hi nicklouse,

 

Apart from an on going, minor oil leak all else seems fine. She starts ticks over and revs up as normal.

[nicklouse]

 

ok so pedal moves a bit but what else does or doesn't that should?

Hi nicklouse,

 

Apart from an on going, minor oil leak all else seems fine. She starts ticks over and revs up as normal.

 

but what about the clutch? just the pedal moving only half way is only half a story.

[Martymini]

 

 

ok so pedal moves a bit but what else does or doesn't that should?

Hi nicklouse,

 

Apart from an on going, minor oil leak all else seems fine. She starts ticks over and revs up as normal.

 

but what about the clutch? just the pedal moving only half way is only half a story.

 

Well yes. But I wanted to eliminate the easy fixes(if that makes sense) before I investigate further by removing the dash etc.

 

Apologies if im coming across as clueless but as I've said this is all new to me so my issues are probably bread and butter to the more experienced folk around here.

Thanks,

Barry

Edited by Martymini, 29 January 2019 - 12:05 PM.

[jime17]

Is the throw out nut wound up too far on the clutch plunger?

[Martymini]

Is the throw out nut wound up too far on the clutch plunger?

Once I try the old starting in gear solution I'll check other things out.

 

I think I know what you mean by the "throw nut2 and "clutch plunger". Basically the workings from the pedal to the clutch?

 

Thanks for the info jime17.  I'll revert back on progress!!

[nicklouse]

 

 

 

ok so pedal moves a bit but what else does or doesn't that should?

Hi nicklouse,

 

Apart from an on going, minor oil leak all else seems fine. She starts ticks over and revs up as normal.

 

but what about the clutch? just the pedal moving only half way is only half a story.

 

Well yes. But I wanted to eliminate the easy fixes(if that makes sense) before I investigate further by removing the dash etc.

 

Apologies if im coming across as clueless but as I've said this is all new to me so my issues are probably bread and butter to the more experienced folk around here.

Thanks,

Barry

 

and I am asking you the basics. what happens when you press the pedal? what moves? what does not move if it should? without this info we can only guess.

 

a Haynes workshop manual is essential.

 

if you press the pedal and nothing move you have issues with the hydraulics.

if you press the pedal and things move and stop you have a mechanical issue.

 

stop nut not set to 6.5mm gap or the flywheel is falling off the crank.

[jime17]

If the throw out nut is wound too far towards the clutch cover then it would I suspect prevent the clutch arm and therefore the clutch pedal achieving full travel and come to a dead stop.

[Rorf]

A Haynes Manual would definitely be advisable before you start removing the dash board to fix the clutch

[mk3 Cooper S]

Mine was a seized master cylinder - although it had been parked up for a few years.

 

Try prying clutch arm, if that moves try the slave cylinder operates. If not open the bleed nipple and see if fluid comes out and pedal depressed.

 

If so it maybe a seized slave cylinder

[Martymini]

If the throw out nut is wound too far towards the clutch cover then it would I suspect prevent the clutch arm and therefore the clutch pedal achieving full travel and come to a dead stop.

Thanks. This makes sense, cheers.

[Martymini]

A Haynes Manual would definitely be advisable before you start removing the dash board to fix the clutch

First thing I bought! Cheers.