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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - clutch problems?

Last weekend, whilst on my way home from Peter May open day, I noticed a few problems with my clutch.

Its a 1098cc midget with the dual/combined master cylinder. The car has done just over 1000 miles since rebuild and has new slave and rebuilt master cylinders. The clutch plate and cover weren't replaced as they seemed ok? (done approx 44,000 from new)

The symptoms were slight clutch slip when doing 65mph uphill on motorway, then the clutch wouldn't disengage when I came off the motorway and the car stalled when I came to a standstill. After a while I could engage all gears, but the clutch now bites right at the floor and is more like an on/off switch than anything else.

Any ideas? I'm guessing that the cluch cover springs may be weak or have snapped? (remember this is an earlier style clutch without the "finger" style arrangement of the 1275's)

Thanks
John - slightly fed up as if I have to sort this over Christmas, then I won't be able to start my new project!


John Collins

John,
Nice to meet you at Peter Mays, sorry to here your problem with the trip home.

I do not think its the clutch springs - i've never broken the old type.

I would have a good look at the hydraulics - also check if the clutch slave rod is fully released when no pressure on the pedal. Sounds more like clutch 'spin' as the bite is at the bottom.

Richard.
richard boobier

is the small hole within the master cylinder clear?
is the push rod set with enough free play atthe pedal?

Any built up pressure in the system will have this effect

the relief hole not clearing the seal would do this to you
Bill

Not that it is of any help whatsoever, but I broke the clutch spring on my Mk2 Sprite many a long year ago. I don't think you will find that is the problem - when mine went, it was accompanied by a big bang and the sound of a chunk of metal rattling around the bellhousing.
Geoff Mears (1970 Midget)

I agree with Richard,
Also check the clutch pedal clevis pins for wear, you can lose a lot of travel there.
Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

John

Not only does the clevis pin wear but the actual hole it goes through in the clutch pedal can elongate.

I had this problem a couple of years ago where I couldn't get out of or into any gear when hot, unless I frantically pumped the pedal. I welded some material where the hole had worn and re-drilled to the clevis pin diameter.

No problems since then!

S Sloan

Hi John Sorry to learn of your problem . As you have a slight clutch slip it could be the push rods into the master cylinder check that there is a slight gap between the stop bolt and end of the rods as it is possible that they are not quite fully releasing . Worth a check while you are under the bonnet!
r clarkson

Exactly what i did John.
Brad (Sprite IV 1380)

HI,

thanks for all input, I've actually managed to get home early enough tonight to have a look at the car.

Theres no leaking fluid anywhere, and the pushrod and clevis pin from the slave cylinder were new.

However, at the pedal end, there is free play and the pedal seems to move on the pin too, so hopefully that is where the problem lies, I will strip the pedal box over the weekend and investigate further.

John
John Collins

This thread was discussed between 15/12/2008 and 18/12/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.