It's that clutch again!
 

My clutch wore out a few years and 20,000 miles ago. I decided to get the best replacement I could and went for the metal kit sold by DMGRS and fitted by a garage recommended by them.

Just recently the clutch pedal has had a "dead area" before any pressure is felt when pressed and the clutch doesn't bite until the pedal is pressed right down. I do a lot of local area driving so I wouldn't expect the clutch to last well over 40,000 miles as they did when I drove longer distances but this seems rather premature. I haven't checked the fluid level yet but I assume there is a leak somewhere.

I have a "thing" about not riding the clutch and saving wear on the thrust bearing by keeping the car out of gear when stopped and releasing the pedal so I don't think that my driving technique is an issue.

Has anyone else had any problems with the metal master and slave cylinders? I have to say this is rather disappointing to have problems at this relatively early stage.

Do not assume a leak.
I have no experience of a metal master but I have known an original plastic one to have an internal seal fail and fluid stay in the master when the clutch pedal was pushed down.

macafee2

Thanks - that still suggests a failure where one should not have happened. I suppose the best initial action is to look at the fluid level - if look is quite the right word in view of the position of the reservoir!

Dipping it with your finger is the easiest option.

And make sure the "Condom" is removed (If fitted) before dipping your finger in.

I will have a go tomorrow. When I got the car 13 years ago I seem to remember going through this process. I might have been a bit more supple then!!

I got my car 13 years ago too and at 84 I know exactly the feeling you are talking about.

A pic. for you below just as a reminder of the bits.---:D

Thank you. I wonder if the metal master has the condom thing. I will find out tomorrow weather permitting

I had the metal one fitted on my old diesel and had the exact same problem as you.

2.5KV6 now at 104K, changed clutch at 68K and still using the original master cylinder.
Only precaution taken was to flush the master cylinder thoroughly with clean fluid before refitting it.