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MG MGF Technical - Clutch slip in the morning..

Christmas Greetings!

I have been away for three weeks, and went to drive my car yesterday morning.
However, the 'F seemed to have clutch slip and happily went from 2-4,000 revs in any gear without a lot on!

However, after about 2 miles (when the car had heated up) the problem disappeared and I put it down to condensation (or something like that).

This morning the same again.

So; is it condensation (or such), or is this a deathly clutch failure waiting to happen?
Neil H

afraid its the latter, just had this happen with mine, slipping whilst cold but fine when its warm. I also had the problem with the release arm on the clutch being seized, all in all it cost 370 quid, which was vey cheap. dont go to MG. Go to a competant privately owned place who have done one before. MGR quoted me 800 quid for the clutch alone!!!

Thing is i thought mine was performing normally before i got it hanged, but once it was done it was a hundred times better, the acceleration was noticebly better due to the clutch not slipping and the pedal itself felt alot lighter!

a bit of money to part with but worth it as it needs doing and will not need doing again.

GC
GC

Oh poo! I know you're right too!

My pedal almost stuck to the floor when I got in the car yesterday, but just about sprang back up!

So sounds like a new release arm for me too!

Don't suppose you're in the Berks/Bucks/Oxon area and can recommend your garage?

Neil H

Neil

Before spending a lot of money it may be worth lubing the clutch arm - a liberal dose of WD40.

See archived thread
http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&mode=archiveth&subject=69&subjectar=69&thread=200401081304364459
JohnP

I agree with JohnP,

Lube the release arm bearing with some oil. Did mine and it cured the problem. Took a couple of days for the oil to work its way in.

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

Ooh! Good call!
Any pictures of this arm and rod?
Neil H

Or put another way.., in the infamous MGF CD - is it the release bearing that I'm after?
Neil H

Afraid not, up in sunny newcsatle. Sounds exactly like what i had mate! Cold morning the clutch took a while to pop back up, cos of this the youre riding the clutch and fooooking it, the realease arm was freed when my mechanic was doing the job, so no need for a new one .
GC

Neil

RAVE page 371. Squirt the arm and repeat for a couple of days. If all OK you will save money.
JohnP

Neil,

I live in Oxford (and work in Abingdon itself). I'm afraid the nearest garage I'd trust to do any more than MOT my F is Tech-Speed, near Leamington Spa. Certainly wouldn't trust any of the local MGR dealers with anything complicated.

Jamie
Jamie

For a couple of days!!!! 8-o

That's a lot of work! but okay worth a try.

Thanks for looking it up. its bit no.4 I'm aiming at isn't it?
Neil H

#4 on page 372. You need to lube where the rod comes from #3 and is clevis pinned to #4. If you can also dribble some around the entry of shaft #8 on page 371 would be handy.
JohnP

JP,

Are we discussing RAVE or the Karma Sutra (sp.) here?

Col (still giggling uncontrollably)
Colin McIlwaine

Well as far as the impossible positions I had to achieve last night, it might have well been the Karma Sutra!

You can see the bits you need to oil with ease, but getting a can of WD40 down there is a different sport altogether!

Anyway, thanks for the great advice.
Oiled it last night and feels looser. Tonight I'll oil again, and again the next day. Then hopefully all will be sweet again.


Neil H

Never actually done it myself Neil!! Only read about it. Fully understand the concept but feel I'm a bit too old and too big for that sort of thing. Also gave up Kama Sutra some time ago.

Query - would it be easier to attack from underneath? Or only if you have access to a highlift ramp or a pit?
JohnP

N'ah. Actually access to that area isn't too bad.., it just involves a bit of threading with the WD40 can, round tubes to get there.

For any other bikers - I found my Scott Oil can a very easy reach. And the added bonus (hopefully) that the oil is designed to stay onto the components for long periods of time.
Neil H

Wonder if a ScottOiler could be rigged up to keep it well lubed/
JohnP

I chucked some oil onto the arm on my ZS this morning. I pressed the clutch pedal and it went straight to the floor - because I'd got used to using a lot of force!

I wonder if this is the reason for the high number of clutch slave cylinder failures on the ZS? Mine failed earlier in the year.

Ralph
Ralph

Hmm! At least with the ZS you don't need to unclip a roof and unbolt an access panel!
.. but yeah.., worrying.
Neil H

Its the last thing I have to say on this.

Thank you guys for the input on this one. This forum has consistently saved me money over the last two years, and this is another great example.

I must come to one of the 'meets' I owe a good few people a good few beers!

New clutch and arm would be a few quid - but instead it was free.
I have left it long enough now, and the clutch works just great!

Thanks everyone, and Merry Christmas!!
Neil H

Neil

May I suggest that you contribute a small part of the £300+ saving to a local charity? Or a bottle of Southern Comfort/

Whatever, I'm glad you are sorted.
JohnP

D'OH
GC

This thread was discussed between 14/12/2004 and 20/12/2004

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