TECH: CLUTCH CONTROL

We’d started to notice that changing gear in the Elf, particularly down the gearbox, was getting difficult. You don’t want to think the worst in this situation - images of worn synchros and bent selector rods came to mind - and a quick check under the bonnet to rule out failing clutch hydraulics wasn’t conclusive. There was fluid in the master cylinder, and there was no signs of leaks or damage on the pipework or slave cylinder.

In an attempt to improve matters, we attempted to bleed the system and then realized that all was not well. Even with the bleed nipple fully open, the master cylinder was not pushing nearly enough fluid through, and the fluid that was being pumped out was black, usually a good indicator of failing rubber seals.

Replacing the whole hydraulic