A couple of days ago I had a pin hole leak in the hose from the tandem pump to the fuel filter.

 

It was probably leaking for around 10 miles (running) until I got home.

 

I have replaced the hose and cleaned up as much as I can but I couldn't reach down to the top of the gearbox.

 

Today I have noticed around 3000rpm it start to rev high without gaining any real speed.

 

I pulled over and put the handbrake on, put it into 1st and slowly let the clutch out. 

 

It stalled so I assume its ok......

 

Question is could the diesel have contaminated the clutch?

 

If so does it need a new clutch? 

 

Thanks for your time.

 

Rob.

 

 

Let's hope not.

Considering how oily diesel is I wouldn't want to put it near the surfaces of a clutch and flywheel.

I would suggest driving the car for at least another week or so, see if the symptoms improve. Isn't the gearbox a fairly well sealed unit?

Apart from the old 'throw it into a high gear at twenty, put your foot down and see which needle moves the most' trick I can't suggest anything else to give inkling to how the clutch is.

JRJG

I thought it was quite well sealed, I hope it is!

 

Just seems a bit too coincidental... 

 

A week seems a good idea. Just panicked a bit as I really could do without the clutch needing replacing at Christmas and not having the car!

It's definitely possible.

Some Vauxhall have fuel filter housings just above the gearbox and require paper filters and a new seal every time.

What I mean is they can leak and it contaminated the clutch. I've poured quite a heavy amount of brake / part cleaner over the bell housing to clean it off but it doesn't always work.

Im going to get on it tomorrow and clean it!

 

I did notice today though that when I hit 3000rpm in 3rd it hesitates on the revs but still picks up speed.

 

Then after a second or so it picks back up on the revs and is ok.

 

I did the 20 mph and put it into 4th both the revs and speedo were slow to pick up......

The diesel will burn off over time, its spinning extremely fast in the gearbox, you just don't want to do damage thats all.

I drove it this morning and it does feel better! 

 

Fingers crossed and thanks for the reassurance!