Hello all,

I think I may have a clutch problem on my 1.9D cube van. Here's what's happening...

I can engage all gears okay with no obvious grinding or whinning, but there seems to be a loss of power at times, especially uphill, and, oddly, when turning corners. There's a sense that the power is not getting there and the engine revs without the associated increase in speed. If I accelerate very slowly it picks up (eventually) and all seems well.

The clutch pedal feels stiffer than is usual, and although I might be imagining it, I keep thinking I'm having to press it further down.

Today I noticed a definite metalic rattle when stationary with the gearbox in neutral. If I push the gear lever over to either side the rattle goes away. It doens't rattle when moving or changing gears...or maybe I can't hear it over the engine noise!

If it is the clutch, will it be a plate only job,or a full kit? And is this a job that can be done on ramps on the floor?

Any advice will be gratefully received as ever...It's my own fault for fixing the heater blower last week....damn thing's getting back it me for thinking all is well!

OK, the rattle is more than likely the gear linkage having worn - my mum's 1.9D Fel is the same. Easily checked, leave the car ticking over and lie by the side of the car, you'll hear it clearly. With a gloved hand, hold the linkage and if it stops then it's that.

As for the other issue, did you miss out "increase" here:

the engine revs without the associated increase in speed

As in it should say

the engine revs increase without the associated increase in speed

If so, then sounds like it's Clutch o' clock.

Many thanks for the response. I did miss the word "increase". Sorry!

I think you're right about the linkage. It annoyed me this morning so I di just what you suggested and it is a little loose and does stop when supported.

The really weird thing is the other problem seems to have gone! The power loss seems to have cured itself. I'm now wondering if I could have had a fuel blockage? I think I might need to replace the fuel filter which I assume has been on the van since new (10 years). Maybe letting the tank get low and the cold weather has dragged up some gunk?

I'll see how it goes for today and order a new filter tomorrow.

Many thanks for your answer.

Andy

Seriously, if you've not changed the fuel filter in THAT LONG then I'm AMAZED it's not dead already. The filter will have water in it (unless it;'s been drained regularly), and water in there can be a cause of the engine running badly - had a DI Tranny that stopped dead as a resuit of it, changed the filter, good as gold.... they're about £12 and easy to do, and cold weather makes them run worse as well.

I've only had the van for nearly a couple of years now, I haven't changed it myself. From the look of it it's original.

I've ordered one now and will change as soon as it arrives.

many thanks again

Andy

Ah, that explains it! Hope it works, let us know how it goes... if you've not changed one before, to make it easier, pre-fill the new filter with fresh diesel as it makes getting it started and bled a lot easier.