Moss Motors, Ltd

I am having issues with my 77 mg clutch.  Previous owner said last week when driving it going for 3rd he pressed the clutch pedal and nothing happened. He drove it home in by starting it in gear.   I bought it and have no clutch release. I did replace the master with a new unit and new slave, and there is no air in the system.   I have pulled the slave out and have about 1 to 1 1/2 inch of Push rod travel.  what could have happed to make that slop in the push rod?   What let go?   Any ideas??  

luke,

If I understand you correctly, the slave pushrod will move 1 to 1 and 1/2 inches when you actuate it with the master cylinder. Can I assume you made this determination with the slave cylinder outside the bellhousing? This system is hydrostatic, therefore seeking its own rest point. When all is right, as soon as the clutch diaphragm has come to rest with the pedal released, the slave cylinder pushrod and piston stop, and are ready for the next cycle, with no discernable play, or "slop". This being the case, and you should make sure it is, and there being NO air in the system, you would seem to have a mechanical problem in the bell housing. This could take the form of a broken clutch release lever or even a broken clutch bearing or diaphragm.

Before pulling the transmission, make darn sure you really are getting the hydraulic/mechanical motion you need. Also, try pushing the pushrod into the housing to see if it would be at the proper depth in the slave cylinder when at rest (toward the closed end of the cylinder). I know all this is a royal pain with this transmission in this car, but I see no other choice if you are sure of your statements. Good luck.

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

I am talking about when I have the slave out and pushing on the push rod by hand.  It loosly moves that far in and out. I thought there should be almost no play so that when you press the pedal you are pressing on the throw out bearing without all the travel.   I called a shop and they are going to work on it.  I dont have the time this summer with things going on. 

What you experience with the pushrod connected to the operating lever is just about normal. The bearing and lever don't move back any further than the clutch springs push them under normal circumstances. That's what's meant by "hydrostatic". It seeks its own rest point. I hope the shop you have contracted is familiar with this type of system, and with Britcars in general.

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

I brought the car to a shop and pulled the engine and tranny.  Turned out all that play was not correct.  the clutch fork hinge pin was gone!  the fork was not hooked to anything. that is why when I pulled and pushed on the push rod coming out of the housing it moved 2-3 inches.  Now I have very little (1/2") of free play.  clutch works great now.