2.0L 850 Clutch

[Baffler]

Hello All,

I'm new here so forgive any mistakes.

I recently purchased a '96 2.0L 20v 850 and I'm absolutely overwhelmed with the car. Obviously it's not a mark on the T5 though.

I'm under the impression there's very little life left in my clutch and was wondering if anyone new the best way of telling? The pedal is coming above the level of the brake pedal by about two inches???

[markas]

Hi ya,

The bad news first is that a clutch change is about £600 quid at the dealer had mine done last year as i too have a 2L 20v.

Can you double clutch it without any problems ? Does it squeal ? Feel jumpy or hard shifting up mainly ?

Mine started playing up/getting heavy at 120k miles and evetually went big time on the motorway with 173k miles and 8 years on it. Unfortunately for me it was my birthday at the time.

Mark.

[Baffler]

Hi All/Mark,

What do you mean by "Double Clutch'n it"? It doesn't squeal but it does clunk into 3rd every now and then, probably due to not disengaging it fully. I got a Sachs kit (280mm p/p) two weeks ago through a local motor factor for 210 Euros. I've been quoted 300 to 350 and 420 Euros to have it fitted by independent mechs. Main dealer wanted somewhere in the region of 900 Euros supplied and fitted. (I think that's the equivalent in sterling?) Should be getting it done next week sometime. Thanks for the advice...

[Philip Fisher]

Double Clutching or more accurately double de-clutching is particularly useful for really smooth down changes or for when the gear box is on its last legs and the syncromesh has had it.

It involves the following proceedure:

Put the clutch pedal down
Take it out of gear and put the stick in neutral
Bring the clutch pedal back up
Rev the engine
Put the clutch back down
Put it into the new gear
Bring the clutch pedal up

Whilst it takes some practice it is a useful proceedure. I always use it for down changes whenever I am braking on the gears and am really flying.....

It used to be needed for any gear change on old pre-syncromesh boxes, so older drivers will probably be familiar with it. I, however, am only 27.....

[Baffler]

Philip, you and me have something in common, we're both of the same age. My Dad used to talk about these pre-syncromesh and crash boxes, but then again, he was born in the 30's, back when there was no such thing as leather covered gear knobs and rubber on the pedals. Luckily enough, I won't need to carry out this procedure as I think there should be enough life in it until I get it replaced next week.

Thanks again folks...

I use this for my Spitfire(1980) simply because it helps the internals last longer. I suppose that on a modern box the improvement in lifetime isn't going to be as great as a box designed in the 50's.....

Stu