Help! Any mechanics out there?

1881TB

1881TB

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Joined
Dec 29, 2017
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Hertfordshire
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51,769
MH
Auto-Trail Comanche, 2013
Exp
Spent a few weeks touring Australia and New Zealand about 10 years ago...
Parked up last night with no problems. This morning I depressed the cluth to set off and it doesn't spring back. Reservoir is full but there is a small puddle of what I presume is clutch fluid apparently leaking from the clutch. Is this going to be a recovery job?
 
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If the puddle is under the gearbox then it sounds like slave cylinder which is a gearbox out job so yes. The modern idea of putting the slave inside the bell housing can only be money making lunacy.
 
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Was there any pressure when you depressed the clutch?
 
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On second thoughts it is possible that it's the pipework connections . I don't know which engine you have?

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I have a 3 litre 2013 Ducato. There was no pressure when I pressed the clutch. This was all fine yesterday - weird that it should suddenly go this morning...
 
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1881TB said:
I have a 3 litre 2013 Ducato. There was no pressure when I pressed the clutch. This was all fine yesterday - weird that it should suddenly go this morning...
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That would have been helpful in your opening post,
 
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Any idea of costs - I'm in Belgium?
 
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Unfortunately it means gearbox out so do not just replace the slave cylinder it would be better to replace the complete clutch kit while the box is out, check condition of flywheel and if any movement that also should be change
 
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hilldweller said:
WHAT !!!

That's insane. £25 part, £500 labour. Madness.
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Some are charging nearer £1000. ( 11hours labour @ £75 / hour plus vat.
If it is the slave, might as well get the clutch done as well.
 
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DP_JAY said:
Some are charging nearer £1000. ( 11hours labour @ £75 / hour plus vat.
If it is the slave, might as well get the clutch done as well.
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That is no button to press for that post.

I guess motor design engineers these days must do 6 years training as accountants and 6 months on metal.

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DP_JAY said:
Some are charging nearer £1000. ( 11hours labour @ £75 / hour plus vat.
If it is the slave, might as well get the clutch done as well.
Click to expand...

With that labour cost I'd do it myself if it killed me :ROFLMAO: pick brains, read manuals, buy tools, you know then it's done right. (y)
 
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@1881TB How have you got on?

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int it good having a mechanic son and a tyre fitting son in law, plus being able to do most service things myself;)(y)(y)
never paid more than the spares and tyres cost.:):)
these prices that are posted on here would frighten me to death.
 
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DP_JAY said:
The modern idea of putting the slave inside the bell housing can only be money making lunacy.
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Not really, it eliminates at least two unlikely but potential failure points..... Slave cylinder piston to clutch fork and clutch fork pivot in bell housing.
 
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Richard and Ann said:
With that labour cost I'd do it myself if it killed me :ROFLMAO: pick brains, read manuals, buy tools, you know then it's done right. (y)
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Well, it's been a bit of a long day.

It seems garages are closed over the weekend in Belgium and next week a 3 week holiday starts for many people. Luckily I had a very helpful recovery guy (courtesy of Comfort insurance) and in fact everyone on the aire joined in with suggestions until we finally found a garage which was open next week and could spare the time to do the repair on Monday.

Then we had to find a tow truck to take my tag axle monstrosity and how the bloke managed to tow me in a large truck down those little country lanes when I think I'm doing an amazing job just getting the van on its own through, I'll never know. He also backed us onto the forecourt of the garage in about two seconds flat. Respect.

It seems it is going to be a new clutch job but on the way to the garage I remembered that the van is under a 12 month warranty which White Arches gave me gratis when I bought it. I remember the salesman telling me that it was the gold standard. I called White Arches who confirmed everything and then called the warranty people who said I should go ahead on Monday and get the invoice sent to them.

So I don't have to spend the weekend trying to learn how to change a gearbox - phew!

We are now parked on the forecourt at the garage where we have water, waste and even electricity, all for free. Comfort have sorted me out with a hire car and Roubaix is just down the road so I might take in a bit of Tour De France on Sunday. Ypres is also nearby so that's something for tomorrow. Dogs walked, beer in hand and I have had nothing but kindness and efficiency from everyone - including those on this site - so thank you all very much!

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Looks like Friday 13th has turned out to be a lucky day for you after all. So nice to read about problems being sorted with a minimum of fuss. Well done everybody.

Now relax and enjoy the weekend.
 
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pappajohn said:
Not really, it eliminates at least two unlikely but potential failure points..... Slave cylinder piston to clutch fork and clutch fork pivot in bell housing.
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Absolutely. It also makes for a light clutch with no slack at the pedal. It's often a complete assembly with the release bearing and is changed when changing the clutch.
 
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