MG Car Repair: clutch problem?, clutch master cylinder, clutch release

Question
Hello Howard
72 midget all stock setup.

Basically, due to the gear box setup, I shift from neutral to second, then first etc.
Lately I had to pump the clutch once or twice to get it into second. From there it is no problem up and down the gears.

The problem I'm having is getting it into second to go through the gears is the problem. Now I've got to pump three plus times to get it into second. But once again, after that going up and down through the gears is a dream.

Then today....................
I was in stop and go traffic. As I was coming to a red light, I stopped. Just as I was about to press the clutch and put it in neutral, the car dies on me. Now I'm stuck in third, can't get the shifter loose. Debating whether to start the car in third with the clutch down.......... I was getting honked at, sworn at and nervous at the same time. I decided to slam the clutch down while in third and start the car......it started.

There is no fluid on the floor, once in second, going through the gears up and down is no problem. Getting it in second is the problem and todays stalling.  

What could be the problem?

Answer
Hi George,

It sounds like you have a clutch release problem with the hydraulics.

Do this test, push the clutch pedal down by hand. You should feel no resistance for the first half to one inch then the pedal should be firm and hard to push right away and as you push it to the floor it should feel hard to push all the way down with no difference in resistance.

My guess is that yours will be easy to push most of the way down to the floor.

First check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder and top it off if it is low (DOT 4 fluid only)If it was low and you needed to add fluid, pump the clutch in slow long strokes (especially slow on the release)

If this does not change the way the pedal feels by hand you should bleed the system at the slave cylinder. If that does not help keep bleeding until the reservoir is half way down and then go under the car and with a large pry bar, pry the clutch lever back towards the slave cylinder so as to force the rod into the slave cylinder all the way. Then pump the pedal very slowly as before until you get resistance by hand and if it is not hard to push just after the small free play is taken up you need to either rebuild the master cylinder or replace it. (Any time you rebuild or replace the master cylinder you should do the same to the slave cylinder and always use DOT 4 fluid.)

Howard