Clutch problem on my Mk2 Cooper...

[WMU 211G]

Morning gents, took the Mk2 Cooper out for a run just now and the clutch started playing up on the way home, I'm having to pump the pedal a few times to get it in each gear - any thoughts...?

The return spring is intact, there's plenty of fluid in the system and I can't see any leaks anywhere. It's a 4 synchro box too.

Cheers in advance

[surfblue63]

Master cylinder seals starting to go?

[WMU 211G]

Thanks Stu, I'll have a closer look.

[Costafortune]

Fluid dripping down by the clutch pedal.

[Oneball]

When was the last time you changed the fluid? Is it a nasty black colour?

Is there any play in the pedal?

[Polarsilver]

Agree with all prior comments .. next quick fix is to lengthen the Slave cylinder Push Rod just to see if you get a Clutch .. but in reality i would check the Clutch Arm because chances are the Ball End is worn or maybe bent.., i fit the Minispares Clutch Arm with some new clevis pins & slave cylinder
= reliability.

[Peter Laidler]

Like Stu says....., and I agree, master cylinder seals. That's the reaspon why you have to press the pedal twice....., to get a clutch. It'll soon be leaking fluid down and into the pedal box. Luckily you'll have replaced the corrosive stuff with silicon fluid a couple of years ago. If it's still the corrosive stuff it'll be playing havoc with the paint under the carpet already.

[WMU 211G]

Thanks for the further replies gents - had another look yesterday and there is a leak but it's difficult to see exactly where it starts, there's nothing around the clutch pedal area though. The fluid isn't black and was probably fresh in the system when the car was restored in 2019 / 20, it looks clean anyway. There is a tiny bit of play in the pedal.