Slow clutch release

[tr-lee]

I've got an issue and just thought I'd see if anyone could confirm my suspicion. On my 1275 Sprite my clutch pedal is very slow to return to the top. It's been doing this for quite some time (year or more probably) and doesnt' seem to get worse or better. It's not the pedal pivot binding (been there) and it never sticks. No hydraulic leaks. I do hear a sucking or rushing sound best describes it from over in the slave cylider area. I've never had a rubber brake hose close up although I've heard people talk about it. Could the same be happening to the clutch rubber hose? To me it makes sense but I was just wondering if anyone had ever come across this.

Thanks,
Lee

 

[aeronca65t]

Yes, I had a rubber brake hose fail internally on a Sprite (no leaks).
It acted almost like a one-way check valve; the disk brake on that side would stick "on" for about 3 or 4 seconds.
Same thing may have happened to your clutch hose.
The only other thing I can think of would be a sticky piston in the slave cylinder or a rusty spline on the trans input shaft (causing the clutch disk to stick).

 

[Gearhead]

I too have seen a clutch hose fail (internal collapse) its also the 1st thing I'd go after. Mark /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif

 

[Bob Claffie]

I vote for the clutch hose also. Both my son's MGB and my own have had this happen over the last few years. (It WILL get worse). Bob

 

[tr-lee]

Thanks guys. I thought that was the case. The whole sound component to the problem leads me to think fluid constriction rather than something dragging. A local shop has one in stock so I'll get that today and put it on this evening. I'll post a follow-up.

Thanks again,
Lee

 

[bugimike]

just thought I'd add my 2 cents worth! Definitly a defective (collapsed hose by the soundof it!

 

[john_j]

Could also be blocked holes in the master cyl. I don't know which type yours has, but the dual cylinder used on earlier cars has 2 small holes in the bottom of the reservoir for the clutch (and 2 more for the brakes) If one is blocked, fluid can get into the cylnider, but not back out and this can also work like a non return valve