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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Slipping clutch

Its a 1968 Mk111 and when you put your foot down in top gear at 30mph, the engine revs increase but the speed of the car remains the same! Otherwise if driven gently its ok and gear changes are fine. I'm interested in buying this car and if its just a worn clutch friction plate, I can put a cost to that. However, could it be anything more expensive than that ?
I'd be grateful for any thoughts on this issue.
( Allegedly, the clutch was last changed 10 or 15 years ago)
Malc
M J Chapman

Sounds a plausible root cause - or possibly oil contamination...

Either way is the clutch which seems to be at fault I would say..
John Barber

Malc,
did you whilst doing this push the clutch pedal down and let it up again quickly?
Nigel Atkins

Nigel,
No I didn't - what diagnosis might this be leading to ?
There was no hint of clutch drag i.e. clean gear changes and no crunching when engaging first gear.

thanks,

Malc
M J Chapman

sorry I got called away before I could finish the post properly

it would just be a further check that it is clutch slip if the revs didn't rise and drop instantly, not the sort of thing you normally want to do with a car with the revs up

I trust you were able to drive the car well above 30 mph to fully test the car out and find what else you need to add to the to-do-list and budget for and/or use to negoiate on price

if the car has been sat unused or little used for a while then there could be lots of other stuff you need to budget for and wrinkles to iron out with a full service and regular use
Nigel Atkins

Nigel,
You're quite right - this was just a look see and as it was chucking down with rain at the time I didn't go round with the check-list ! However, I'm a long term midget man and as I've just had to condemn my corrosion-ridden '66 Mk11, I've got a pretty good idea of the weak spots !
M J Chapman

Malc,

Sounds like the last (current) VW Passat I bought, took it for a test drive and all the signs of a clutch on it's last legs, all else seemed right so bought it and had the clutch done after getting a suitable discount for the clutch job. The clutch was knackered and after replacement all has been fine with no problems.
David Billington

Buy a mkII agian!
They are way better than the MKIII's ;P
Onno K

Onno,
Yes I would but this is as good as. Its an early Mk111 with the straight through exhaust and one piece rear bumper and it has the added refinement of real reversing lights - what a luxury !
M J Chapman

Start the car and allow it to warm up. Apply the handbrake and shift into 4th. If you can let the clutch pedal up and the car doesn't stall, it's a worn clutch plate.

Not a big problem, more of a PITA as you have to pull the engine to change the clutch. Can't do it from under the car like many others can be.
Clive Reddin

This thread was discussed between 25/04/2012 and 27/04/2012

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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