Clutch Going After Only 20,000 Miles?

[shalmaneser 26]

Hi guys

 

I've got a receipt for a clutch replacement here for my car about four years/20,000 miles ago - this was before my ownership.

 

Anyway, I did a 'brisk' getaway a couple of days ago with three friends and a load of shopping in the car - obviously therefore it was a lot heavier than usual, and even though my foot was off the clutch it was still slipping on full throttle. That's the first time it's done it

 

The bite point is also high, although the clutch doesn't feel too heavy. The previous owner was a 40+ year old dad who seemed a good driver when he took me out for the test drive, and is certainly not the sort for racing off from the lights...I'm a bit more aggressive with the car with him i admit, but my clutch control is pretty damn good, I always rev smoothly into downshifts, don't hold the car on the clutch any longer than is strictly necessary etc etc - in short i'm sure it's not me or him that have worn out the clutch.

 

Are there any other options that it could be - I'm sure I've heard something about clutch arms bending or something?

 

it's a phase 1.5 late '89 car if that's any help...

[shalmaneser 26]

oh yeah and while i'm at it where's the best place to buy ignition leads from? are ECP/GSF any good?

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

Loads of options:

 

- Bent clutch arm (check for bends and cracks)

- Poor adjusment on the clutch cable

- Crap quality clutch

- Contamination (Crank oil seal leaking? )

- Contamination on installation

- Poor fitting

 

 

Personally, I would take it to bits, it is not hard and will at least tell you whats wrong. The old boy could have driven riding the clutch and thus cooked it!

[shalmaneser 26]

Loads of options:

 

- Bent clutch arm (check for bends and cracks)

- Poor adjusment on the clutch cable

- Crap quality clutch

- Contamination (Crank oil seal leaking? )

- Contamination on installation

- Poor fitting

 

 

Personally, I would take it to bits, it is not hard and will at least tell you whats wrong. The old boy could have driven riding the clutch and thus cooked it!

 

i doubt he's been riding the clutch, its all the other stuff im worried about! I'll have a proper look when i fit my new 306 starter motor in a week or two.

 

Thanks for the input though!