Clutch Kaput on my series 3

RBy · 2025-09-07T21:21:00+0100

Hi wise minds!

I'm still quite a newbie, but my 1972 lightweight has decided it doesn't want to play changing gears anymore even though it seemed ok last time I drove it. Went and checked the master cylinder and its totally empty. eek.

I'm 'trying' to do mechanical jobs, but honestly I'm proving about as good at it as a glass hammer!

What are my options?

1. Try refilling with Dot 4 - no idea of how high the level was, and whether it's been low for ages - or whether a seals just gone - haven't seen a load of liquid anywhere - but haven't done a thorough check. If I do refill - how do you bleed it after?
2. Get a master and slave replacement - what / where do people suggest getting one from?
3. Try replacing it myself - I watched a video by Britainnia Restorations guy who was brilliant, but he said doing your first one is daunting (and he looks like he knows his arse from his elbow - unlike me!) So maybe a garage/ mechanic job - any recommendations in West London area?
4. Just push it about from now on making engine noises.

kermit_rr · 2025-09-07T21:45:40+0100

Ok so there's no oil at all, you need to figure out where it's gone and repair it. Check the pipes first, the flexi hose might have leaked

doriz · 2025-09-07T21:52:54+0100

kermit_rr said:
Ok so there's no oil at all, you need to figure out where it's gone and repair it. Check the pipes first, the flexi hose might have leaked

That doesn’t look like it’s ever had any fluid init.

lynall · 2025-09-07T22:21:13+0100

I would try new fluid first just to confirm where it is leaking from.

steve2286w · 2025-09-07T22:22:05+0100

TRW , Girling and Delphi good brands for the master and slave , you can repair kits but the bores need to be in good condition, have a look in the workshop manual for how to. Sounds like you don’t drive it much so have a go , good learning experience

Rangieman123 · 2025-09-07T23:47:57+0100

Is there fluid dripping onto the floor or bulkhead? Check for damp spots. If that's bone dry "up top" I'd be paying attention to the slave cylinder.
A dodgy master cylinder reservoir would not totally empty, like your photo. A weeping slave will eventually suck the M/Cyl reservoir dry.

RBy · 2025-09-08T07:26:59+0100

Thank you all so much, I really appreciate it!

Will have a proper look around today and let you know - I'll order some 4 Dot too. It does look odd being so dry doesn't it?!

I bought my tank with my heart, more than my head - as a project to potter about with as 'they' said I 'need to out of the house/ have a hobby' but I think I under estimated how much needs doing, and over estimated my skill level! :vb-weyes:

It's got an ageing 2.5l Diahatsu in it which is smoking loads, to the point that I look like one of the Red Arrows driving about in it - so that will need to come out for a rebuild or a 200TDi (assuming TDI is the best idea?) or something - just working out which kidney to sell to finance that.

The good thing is, it's been brilliant using this site and hearing back from people like you lot! : )

steve2286w · 2025-09-08T07:57:31+0100

Good point from rangieman , if you assume ms leaked not slave then there should be fluid in the slave so you can slacken the bleed nipple on it and see if anything comes out either by gravity of pumping the pedal without topping up
Great projects but don’t waste your money paying garages to do stuff you can fix, use it to learn how the landy is put together replacing bits and repairing as you need learning on the way , lot more satisfaction that way , a wealth of resources available inc the green bible, you tube , here in no particular order
Good site for manuals

Land Rover Manuals

smithies.co.nz

I have the 200tdi without the turbo , some people like the turbo for me it was simple swap

"200Di" diesel conversion for Series Land Rovers - by Glencoyne Engineering

Personally I would get shot of the dishatzu and keep LR engine which helps with the rules for tax exemption as the 2286 is very similar block to the 200tdi

RBy · 2025-09-08T09:11:47+0100

steve2286w said:
Good point from rangieman , if you assume ms leaked not slave then there should be fluid in the slave so you can slacken the bleed nipple on it and see if anything comes out either by gravity of pumping the pedal without topping up
Great projects but don’t waste your money paying garages to do stuff you can fix, use it to learn how the landy is put together replacing bits and repairing as you need learning on the way , lot more satisfaction that way , a wealth of resources available inc the green bible, you tube , here in no particular order
Good site for manuals

Land Rover Manuals

smithies.co.nz

I have the 200tdi without the turbo , some people like the turbo for me it was simple swap

"200Di" diesel conversion for Series Land Rovers - by Glencoyne Engineering
Personally I would get shot of the dishatzu and keep LR engine which helps with the rules for tax exemption as the 2286 is very similar block to the 200tdi

Thanks Steve - this is great. Will look through. Ideally I'd love to track down a proper old mechanic who wants to do some care in the community work looking after me!

lynall · 2025-09-08T09:13:08+0100

RBy said:
Thank you all so much, I really appreciate it!

Will have a proper look around today and let you know - I'll order some 4 Dot too. It does look odd being so dry doesn't it?!

I bought my tank with my heart, more than my head - as a project to potter about with as 'they' said I 'need to out of the house/ have a hobby' but I think I under estimated how much needs doing, and over estimated my skill level!

It's got an ageing 2.5l Diahatsu in it which is smoking loads, to the point that I look like one of the Red Arrows driving about in it - so that will need to come out for a rebuild or a 200TDi (assuming TDI is the best idea?) or something - just working out which kidney to sell to finance that.

The good thing is, it's been brilliant using this site and hearing back from people like you lot! : )

I would try and fix the engine that you have rather than swap it, easier and hopefully cheaper.

RBy · 2025-09-08T10:53:56+0100

lynall said:
I would try and fix the engine that you have rather than swap it, easier and hopefully cheaper.

I had thought about that - it would need a proper rebuild I think - it's breathing really heavy - and leaking a fair amount of oil, plus I'd read that parts aren't that plentiful. Not sure how much a rebuild would cost, as opposed to replacement engine. Anyone know ball park for TDI replacement? I read that the guy at Glencoyne no longer does them due to his back playing up I think.

Wildefalcon · 2025-09-08T12:29:14+0100

Ask turners about the TDI, If you want a "new" engine. But you might pick one up cheaper elsewhere, they do come up on face book and eBay.

You need a disco engine with a defender manifold set for a LWB. Clears the chassis rail that way.

Worth it. Noisy, but makes the vehicle capable of modern life with a Ashcroft high ratio transfer box.

RBy · 2025-09-08T14:07:29+0100

I think a tdi is a smart idea - I bought it to potter around london with the kids in - ulez and road tax free. Its an ex-dutch army lightweight, that was then a company's mascot - think it was loved, had lots of sillys added, but needs more love now, plus there's loads of bodgy bits on it - the power steering knocking the front diff, steering arm hitting left springs on lock and droop, and wide tyres hitting the springs etc etc (insert crying emoji). Having said that, I do love it, and haven't driven anything that gets as much attention or people asking if they can have a ride in it etc!

lynall · 2025-09-08T14:37:38+0100

RBy said:
I had thought about that - it would need a proper rebuild I think - it's breathing really heavy - and leaking a fair amount of oil, plus I'd read that parts aren't that plentiful. Not sure how much a rebuild would cost, as opposed to replacement engine. Anyone know ball park for TDI replacement? I read that the guy at Glencoyne no longer does them due to his back playing up I think.

Ah if is breathing heavy plus all the other problems, then maybe it is time for a swap.

Matthias_S · 2025-09-08T15:03:11+0100

Honestly, I wouldn’t risk sticking with that old engine if it’s smoking and guzzling oil like that. Swapping in a TDI sounds like the smarter move, especially if you actually plan on driving it regularly.

RBy · 2025-09-08T15:12:11+0100

It smokes more than Snoop Dogg / Bet Lynch (reference depending on your age) : /

Wildefalcon · 2025-09-08T15:58:14+0100

Thing about the TDI is the support. No one will order a batch of new pistons for a dihatsu engine long out of memory. But a TDI? Maybe? Maybe even JLR will do that as part of their heritage programme.

RBy · 2025-09-08T18:14:51+0100

Wildefalcon said:
Thing about the TDI is the support. No one will order a batch of new pistons for a dihatsu engine long out of memory. But a TDI? Maybe? Maybe even JLR will do that as part of their heritage programme.

Yeah, I've heard the Diahatsu was liked a while back, but as you say the TDI seems the better swap now - esp as I can't afford a V8! Turner's site saying about 4k for 200tdi - but guess theres all the other ancillaries too, and fitting. Thats both my kidney's gone!

Had another nose around - there doesn't seem to be any pools of liquid. Anyway, have ordered some Dot 3

Separate question, but on the same theme of 'it looks like it's broken' - whats this that connects to the snorkel into the engine? The pipe coming off the bottom looks loose, like it had slipped down - not sure if it's lost a clip?

Wildefalcon · 2025-09-08T18:51:22+0100

That looks like a TDI cyclone crank case breather system. It's an oil vapour separator system. The manifold draws the oil rich air from the rocker cover and the oil drops out and drains back to the sump.

RBy · 2025-09-08T19:37:32+0100

I'm guessing it shouldn't be that oily? Looks like loads has come out, dripped down the side - should it have a clip on the drain pipe at the bottom?

Clutch Kaput on my series 3

Member

Attachments

Very

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Member

Well-Known Member

Member

Well-Known Member

Member

Well-Known Member

Member

Well-Known Member

New Member

Member

Well-Known Member

Member

Attachments

Well-Known Member

Member

Similar threads