Triumph Repair: TR7 clutch problem, triumph stag, clutch system

Question
QUESTION: Hi Howard, I bought a TR7 that had been sitting 10 years, PO said slave cylinder was seized, piston was in fully extended position. The rod only extends from bell housing about an inch and flops around so I assume something broke inside, if you had to guess what do you think the problem is? Is there a weak point? Thanks for the help

ANSWER: Hi Mark,
If the slave piston were stuck in the extended position for a long time most likely the slider that the release bearing is mounted on is rusted in place and holding the clutch disengaged. This is easily tested by putting the car in 4th gear and rock the car forward and backward to see if you can rotate the engine. If the car roles but does not turn the engine that is what is wrong. If rocking the car makes the engine turn then that is not what is wrong and something is broken.

The problem is that it does not matter because you have to pull the clutch anyway for either problem. You should purchase a service manual before you start.

I have had several TR-7s and still have one and I was factory trained on the "7". I never seen a "weak point" in the clutch system. The engine is half of a Triumph Stag V-8 and has several odd things that must be watched on the engine.

Always watch your temp gauge and never let it overheat. If you need a water pump make sure you either read the service manual very carefully or have it installed by an experienced TR-7 mechanic. The water pump is in the top of the block under the intake manifold and gear driven. Watch the color of your oil for signs of water in the oil.

If you have to torque the head, be sure to read the directions in the service manual as it is very important.

There was an early and a late version of the TR-7 and you didn't tell me what year you had. There were some major differences. The change was made between 76 and 77, normally the earlier version had a 4 speed box and the later had a 5 speed box.

Most parts are still available for these cars. Read my story about one of my "7"s that I converted to run on alcohol.
http://mg-tri-jag.net and look for "Is Alcohol fuel in your future?" in the menu.

Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Howard, Thanks for the reply, theres a couple things I forgot to mention, it's a 82 model, built Aug 81. The slave was seized in the extended position but I think that maybe because the fork or something broke and there was no force to return it to normal position, clutch is engaged all the time except when in neutral.I talked to a fellow and he said its a similar set up that used to be on Hondas and he said the fork can crack and break where it pivots on the ball, but your right it has to come out to know for sure. Here's a link to an PDF manual which may be of help to some people.
http://www.vitessesteve.co.uk/PDF/Triumph-TR7-Workshop-and-Maintenance-manual.pd
Interesting article on alcohol, maybe theres another grant in your future. Thanks again.

Answer
Mark, it does not matter because no matter what it is, it is inside and you must open it up to fix it no matter what it is, and it will be very evident when you get it out. I never seen a broken clutch arm on a "7" but I guess if the bearing slider were rusted and someone pushed hard on the pedal, they could bend the clutch arm. Or anything can break.
Howard