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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2018 3:45 pm
by Rosssco
Simon82 wrote:
Fri Dec 14, 2018 9:59 am
Rosssco wrote:
Wed Dec 12, 2018 5:34 pm
Be interesting if the slave could be the culprit - what sometimes happens when an engine is mated to the gearbox using an adaptor plate (not sure how thick, perhaps 15-20mm typically), the slave cylinder runs out of stroke (as the g'box input spline and hence slave bearing are further from the clutch release springs) resulting in poor clutch disengagement and ultimately high wear.
Surely if the issue is the slave cylinder running out of stroke (would make sense given the symptoms) then would an adapter plate for mounting the slave cylinder allowing it to be positioned 2mm further in towards the clutch release fork (effectively allowing 2mm further movement of the fork) not be sufficient to solve the problem?
I'm guessing probably not that simple or it would have been done by now...

I've said 2mm as in my case at least Its only just catching so there can't be much in it but hopefully you get my point...
Yep, either a slave spacer plate between the release fork and the release bearing, or a cap on top of the bearing itself. Easier to do on gearboxes with a separate slave cylinder and release fork (I think most Toyotas do) than the combined slave bearing unit as found on say the gearbox in a VX220.

Also used when, for example, switching from a DMF to a single mass flywheel on some cars due to the reduced flywheel height.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 12:56 pm
by C7Steve

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:48 pm
by rawsco
OK, there may be light at the end of the tunnel…
Finance company are making noises about looking at getting the car properly repaired and have asked me to get a quote to fix the problem properly, they are also not mandating a Lotus approved dealer. So off to Craig’s it shall go to get checked over and a quote to properly get it resolved and to check the workmanship of the prior repair and rectify any problems associated.

Craig immediately noted master cylinder most likely cause.

If the fault can be resolved, Craig gives the car a clean bill of health and the finance company can offer some form of extension to the warranty to compensate for the 6 months of lost usage this will provide me the assurances I need to keep it as I’ve really struggled to think of an alternative.

I’m looking forward to driving it this week, assuming it starts as I appear to have lost my battery conditioner in the house move…

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 2:30 pm
by BigD
Good news.

It’ll be really annoying if it is just the master cylinder. Also a bit of a let-off for the original dealer.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:24 pm
by douglasgdmw
Rawsco,

Just one thing to consider and make sure you get it in writing - if you have any other "warranty" issues that Lotus will not deny your claim as you have gone to a non franchised dealer.

Craig will get the issue sorted out, that's for sure, but just to make sure your covered going forward.

George

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 2:09 pm
by rawsco
Todays update, finance company have paid Craig Moncreiff to inspect the vehicle and as was expected the repair was shoddy with numerous problems / errors evident following the clutch job.

Its back to the finance company now to see what they want to do, Craig recommends new master cylinder then test and secondary recommendations around gearbox shaft lubrication / validating the correct clutch replacement process was followed.

Good news is other than the extra presents Haytons (oops did I just name them?) left me the car is good and drives well so assuming the finance co are willing to get the car up to scratch re the clutch issue as per Craigs (and my - basically Craigs) expectations then I'll hang onto it.

Feeling a bit more positive about things now.... Muchos thanks to Craig and his team's diligence / support working with the finance co.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 2:11 pm
by rawsco
BigD wrote:
Tue Jan 08, 2019 2:30 pm
Also a bit of a let-off for the original dealer.
I doubt it, Finance company will likely seek to reclaim its losses. Dealer probably THINKs its off the hook, but I doubt they are.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 2:15 pm
by BigD
rawsco wrote:
BigD wrote:
Tue Jan 08, 2019 2:30 pm
Also a bit of a let-off for the original dealer.
I doubt it, Finance company will likely seek to reclaim its losses. Dealer probably THINKs its off the hook, but I doubt they are.
Quite rightly so. Would be good if they ultimately have to pay for someone else to fix it (at full rates) when it would’ve been cheaper for them to do it with their own mechanics.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 2:26 pm
by Rosssco
BigD wrote:
Tue Jan 15, 2019 2:15 pm
rawsco wrote:
BigD wrote:
Tue Jan 08, 2019 2:30 pm
Also a bit of a let-off for the original dealer.
I doubt it, Finance company will likely seek to reclaim its losses. Dealer probably THINKs its off the hook, but I doubt they are.
Quite rightly so. Would be good if they ultimately have to pay for someone else to fix it (at full rates) when it would’ve been cheaper for them to do it with their own mechanics.
Doesn't sound like they know what they're doing anyway!

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2019 2:47 pm
by Ferg
rawsco wrote:
Tue Jan 15, 2019 2:09 pm
the car is good and drives well so assuming [everything goes to plan] then I'll hang onto it.
Yay! Good news indeed... :drive :drive :drive

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2019 4:35 pm
by j2 lot
:thumbsup

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 12:22 am
by Simon82
Glad to hear things serem to be moving In The Right direction now :thumbsup

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 10:46 am
by C7Steve
Hopefully all ready for the summer. :thumbsup


Steve.

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 9:13 pm
by Simon82
So got home atthe start of the week and managed to take my exige out for a spin. Unfortunately selecting 1st and 2nd was nigh on impossible until it was hot so looks like I have similar/same issue. Watching holding my breath for the verdict from Craig with yours Ross.
Not sure wether to give Hayton a chance (terrified they make a complete arse of mine as well), take it to Leven or just go direct to Craig and swallow the cost to get it sorted correctly :roll:

Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2019 8:51 pm
by Ferg
Simon82 wrote:
Fri Jan 18, 2019 9:13 pm
So got home atthe start of the week and managed to take my exige out for a spin. Unfortunately selecting 1st and 2nd was nigh on impossible until it was hot so looks like I have similar/same issue. Watching holding my breath for the verdict from Craig with yours Ross.
Not sure wether to give Hayton a chance (terrified they make a complete arse of mine as well), take it to Leven or just go direct to Craig and swallow the cost to get it sorted correctly :roll:
Worth checking the adjuster plate for the 1st and 2nd gear gate?