Clutch won't engage

[johnmann]

My latest bizzare problem as the One Point Five continues to resist a return to the road.

Sump sorted, heater back on and engine starts and runs fine. So, I attempt to drive out of the garage only to find the clutch won't engage. Now I could understand if it woulnd't DISengage. Failed hydraulics or stuck plates. But it's running as though the pedal is down. Prop shaft not turning so it isn't a half shaft. Also, the clutch pedal won't go down and is rock solid after a small amount of movement.

Any of you experts got an idea on this one?

John.

[johnmann]

An update - I think it's the slave cylinder. With it removed, things appear to be spinning in the gearbox again. I have a spare cylinder, but need a hose so that's the next job.

[canuck]

Hello John

Often these hoses can go 'bad' from the inside. What transpires is the rubber over time breaks done and can/does block the fluid flow, acting somewhat like a one-way valve. 

Thisis a simple system so I am sure replacing the hose & renewing the clutch slave cylinder will be a solution.

All the best for a happy holiday season

B 

[johnmann]

(Thought I'd already posted a reply on this, but looks like I forgot to press the "post" button!)

Canuck, your explanation makes sense and I think is probably what had happened.
I removed the slave cylinder. Could not get the hose to shift so I cut through with a hacksaw. Amongst the spares that came with the car when I bought it was a new slave cylinder and hose. According to the guarantee certificate, the cylinder was made in my home town of Banbury; the site is now a large Tescos! With these fitted and some very murky fluid bled through, all is functioning again.

John.