Technical Mrs_G's Cargo. 306k miles. Clutch failure.

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Technical Mrs_G's Cargo. 306k miles. Clutch failure.

Niall_G

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Mrs_G's Cargo has just been recovered back to our home by the RAC.

The clutch pedal has a very light action but no effect on the clutch mechanism. I've looked at the mechanism in the cab and all appears fine, looking down on top of the gearbox I can see a lot of fluid on top of the gearbox - I guess the slave cylinder seals have failed. I'll tow it up to our local garage in the morning.

This has happened on the same day as my van also needed recovering!!!!

The engine would spin over but not fire. The RAC guy was sure it was an immobiliser fault and that I needed a new ignition key - my spare key was at home. He was sure the immobiliser was stopping the fuel soleniod operating. I asked if he could check fuel was being delivered to the engine bay from the tank but he didn't.

Having arranged for my van (XLWB Iveco Daily) to be recovered he left. 30 mins later RAC control rang me to say I had no cover as the van was too long, if I wanted recovery it would need a downpayment of £600!!! - I was 30 miles from home !!!!

I was fuming, I told the guy there was no way I was going to pay them when as far as I was concerned they out of order as no mention was made to vehicle length when I bought the policy. I then phoned my father and arranged for him to bring my spare key from my house. The RAC control then rang back "We've checked the wording of your policy and you are covered" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (F*cking Incompetant W@nkers sprung to my mind).

Cancelled the request to my father and waited a further 2 hours while to recovery job was passed from pillar to post and subcontacted a couple of times.

Eventually arrived at my local garage (father delivered key there). Tried spare key - exactly the same fault. The mechanic disappears under my van, taps the fuel pump a few times and the van runs. (Thanks RAC - were you all Fiat Main Dealer trained???). The pump soon stops again but the key/solenoid appear fine. I'll be getting a new pump in the morning.

So far today:

1. Drove 15 miles to load a job that was cancelled as I arrived.
2. Drove 20 more miles, loaded 4 pallet for a long job which I had to give away when I broke down.
3. Had to decline a very well paid job to Germany this evening.
4. Had to decline a job to the west country for tomorrow.
5. Mrs_G's clutch fails.

I'm afraid to go for a pee now incase I end up in casualty !!!!!
 
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wow that sounds like a pretty sh*tty day :( On the brightside, atleast the vans fault is easily resolved. Clutch cylinder shouldnt be too difficult either (y)

Yeah, you're quite right, both faults could be fixed tomorrow without costing too much. If the vans are still off the road at lunchtime we may just start the weekend early and go off and do a spot of geocaching in the car or go for a nice motorcycle ride.
 
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Sit Rep:

Iveco: Fixed - New fuel pump fitted. Awaiting MOT tomorrow.

Dobin: Parts ordered. Plastic push rod that is associated with the slave cylinder failed. I guess this allowed the piston to be pushed right out. Hope to collect parts tomorrow.
 
Amazing mileage though, if it wasnt for penny pinching plastic parts failing it would be pretty much indestructible!!

Do you find lots of interior trim rattling now? How many dampers, lower arms etc has it had in that mileage?
 
Amazing mileage though, if it wasnt for penny pinching plastic parts failing it would be pretty much indestructible!!

Do you find lots of interior trim rattling now? How many dampers, lower arms etc has it had in that mileage?

Seems quite well screwed together. No rattles or sqeaks to mention. It is still on its original lower arms (I can't remember ever having any fitted anyway), original dampers, original rear brake shoes and drums. It is on its 3rd set of front discs and pads.

With the new clutch slave cylinder fitted the pedal has a very nice smooth action. Almost like a new van.
 
Thought things were going too well ........................

A week after having the slave cylinder fitted Mrs_G noticed the clutch pedal 'feel' nasty. She was near our local independant garage and so asked them to have a look.

The clutch mechanism was on its way and so rather than risk a roadside breakdown she's just had a new clutch fitted. Thankfully the dual mass flywheel was still fine and that didn't need replacing.
 
my slave cylinder had premature failure at abt 25k ( km)
the dealer also changed the clutch kit as well .(as i feedback the clutch felt funny)


speaking of the DMF for the jtd engines

i read from the Alfa forum, that they were advised to change them together with the clutch.. ( as the clutch and flywheel are suppose to change hand in hand)


i then realized that i had a change of clutch kit at 30k, and the flywheel went bonkers at 70k
kilometers.


recently came across a VW transporter , dti engine also on dmf

dualmass flywheel issue, at 110k , clutch changed someway along of 50k.


wonder if any other doblo with similar experience on the fly wheel



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