MGF Clutch pedal not returning

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ashingdon
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Joined: Mon May 23, 2016 11:14 pm
MGF Register Region: Essex
Model of Car: 1998 MGF

MGF Clutch pedal not returning

Post by ashingdon » Sat Aug 05, 2017 2:13 pm

Since the winter my MGF clutch pedal is on the floor, I have read the threads concerning sized cutch release arms. I have discounted the slave cylinder and can move the arm freely over 20mm it does not hover return on its own - is this the issue I presume it should return on its own - there is no fluid loss and the slave cylinder appears to move correctly

Any advice welcome

Thanks Gary

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Reckless Rat
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Model of Car: 97 1.8mpi in BRG
Location: South of France - in the Gard.

Re: MGF Clutch pedal not returning

Post by Reckless Rat » Sat Aug 05, 2017 3:26 pm

Just out of curiosity - with the clutch pedal stuck on the floor, can you start the engine and engage any gear? If so that would suggest that the clutch release arm has seized in the "declutch" position. If, however there is drive (in other words you can't select a gear with the engine running) then the problem is probably in the hydraulic circuit.

Disconnect the clevis pin from the slave cylinder and remove the slave cylinder. You could try to get some release agent such as plus gas (not WD40) past the seal on the clutch shaft which might do the trick. It's worth persevering because the alternative is gearbox removal...

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ashingdon
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Joined: Mon May 23, 2016 11:14 pm
MGF Register Region: Essex
Model of Car: 1998 MGF

Re: MGF Clutch pedal not returning

Post by ashingdon » Sat Aug 05, 2017 6:12 pm

Hi thanks for the reply yes it does have drive so you cant engage a gear with the engine running. With the slave cylinder disconnected at the clevis pin I can move the clutch arm through 20mm. I attempted to bleed the slave cylinder but could not get any fluid through from the bleed nipple there are no visible leaks at either the slave or master cylinder

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Reckless Rat
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Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:01 am
MGF Register Region: Europe
Model of Car: 97 1.8mpi in BRG
Location: South of France - in the Gard.

Re: MGF Clutch pedal not returning

Post by Reckless Rat » Sun Aug 06, 2017 11:25 am

If there is drive then the clutch isn't stuck. If you remove the hydraulic connection from the slave does any fluid come through when you pump the pedal? If not its probably the master cylinder.

Aldoug
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MGF Register Region: Thames Valley

Re: MGF Clutch pedal not returning

Post by Aldoug » Mon Aug 19, 2019 1:37 pm

Hi guys. Same issue here... been stuck down for a while and trued running the engine to warm it up. How easy is it to get to the clutch and how would I go about doing so? Or can anyone recommend someone who can do home visits ?

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Charless
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Re: MGF Clutch pedal not returning

Post by Charless » Tue Aug 20, 2019 9:04 am

It is quite easy to access the slave cylinder by removing the engine bay cover. That will allow you to disconnect the clutch and its hydraulic operator (remove the clevis pin joining them, referred to by Reckless above). You can then diagnose a lot more about the problem. It might be as simple as just the slave cylinder seal needs replacing - which is under a tenner and a simple DIY. If the clutch release arm is seized this is also the best access point from which to try and introduce lubrication to restore movement. That would also be a cheap 'fix' - although it might only be temporary.
I haven't used the mobile mechanics recently but have only heard good reports about them.
It really helps tie symptoms back to fix if you can continue the feedback - unlike in the original post here - so we know the problem AND the solution; which may help somebody else later.

Aldoug
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2016 9:16 pm
MGF Register Region: Thames Valley

Re: MGF Clutch pedal not returning

Post by Aldoug » Tue Aug 20, 2019 1:06 pm

Thanks Charless. At the moment I am contacting the chap who came out and did some work in situ where the cam belt had gone, as he did a top job. If I don't hear back I might enlist my brother and try the above. Will keep you posted! (in fact, might even try getting in and have a look first)

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