MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - Lifeless clutch on start-up

Guys,

I've been driving my F for a couple of weeks and I've noticed a quirky characteristic (problem?) When the engine is started from cold and I put my foot on the clutch, the pedal is 'lifeless' and is slow to return but when the engine and clutch are warm it regains feeling. Is there something wrong or is it part of the F's character?

I'm just getting used to the Rover gearbox, it's a bit of technology that doesn't like to be hurried!

As always, thanks for your advice

Brett
B Beesley

You definitely have problems with your clutch. The gerabox isn't particularly slow, and it works fine if the clutch is OK.
It's a hydraulic one, check under the bonnet that there's enough fluid in the smal tank, right of the front bulkhead. If there isn't you can add some but you'll have to have the circuit checked for leaks.
Anthony Braham

Brett, I agree with Anthony. Sounds as though there is a problem with the disengagement/re-engagement of the clutch. Could be something simple like a low hydraulic fluid level - or it may mean that there is a problem with the master or slave cylinder.

This needs to be looked into, as at the very least you will be putting additional strain on the gearbox synchromesh rings.
Rob Bell

Cheers Guys,

I've booked it in for tomorrow (should be covered by the warranty), this is the first time I've tried my local MG dealer so I'll keep you informed of the service I get.

My mechanic brother-in-law tends to think it is one of the cylinders packing up, although the clutch fluid level hasn't moved.

On a side note my brother has a Rover 200 VTi '97 (VVC) and has suffered his first HGF at 80,000. I was going to document/photograph the replacement of the gasket - I know it's not F but I thought it might be relevant to VVC engine owners. Should I bother?

Ta

Brett
B Beesley

I reckon your brother-in-law is probably spot on Brett. I gather that master cylinders can give problems with seals - which may not necessarily result in fluid loss (which sounds strange to me too).

>>On a side note my brother has a Rover 200 VTi '97 (VVC) and has suffered his first HGF at 80,000. I was going to document/photograph the replacement of the gasket - I know it's not F but I thought it might be relevant to VVC engine owners. Should I bother?<<

Definitely :o) At least on a R200 you have a more unrestricted view of the strip down process than you would on an F!

A pictorial story of how the work was carried out would be hugely useful for all us budding DIY mechanics! If you don't have web space, let me know, and I'll host it on my site :o)

Cheers
Rob Bell

Rob,

Thanks for the help and the offer. When the 200 is sorted, I'll pass on all the photos and whatever else I've produced, and if you will be so kind, let you host them for the world to see.

Cheers mate

Brett
B Beesley

Gladly Brett :o)
Rob Bell

Clutch pedal went down and stayed down this morning, on the way to the garage. I had to pump the clutch for a few minutes till it surfaced - sounds very much like a cylinder now, but sill no fluid loss.

Waiting for the verdict from the garage.
B Beesley

This thread was discussed between 07/07/2003 and 09/07/2003

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGF Technical BBS is active now.