The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi I was out for a drive this morning in my 1980, 1300 Dolomite. I noticed that when I was changing gear the clutch pedal seemed to be sticking when I lifted my foot. It was as if my foot was sticking on the carpet. I had a look about and put a little grease on the metal bits that I could see at the top of the pedal.
The fluid in what I think is the master cylinder is a couple of inches below the top. Any advice please?

Hi I will top up the master cylinder and see if that helps.

It sounds like the slave cylinder may be leaking fluid. Is the clutch biting quite low?

Hi thanks for your reply. I never noticed any difference in the biting point when I was last driving her but I will keep an eye on that the next time that I am out in her. Should I top up the master cylinder to near the top please?

It's possible the cylinder bore is a little worn and the seal not as good as it was. I had a similar issue on a 1500. A strip down and rebuild of the cylinder solved the issue. Either way it makes sense to ensure the fluid level is between the max and min somewhere as too low it will draw air into the system. Filling that little metal can is quite an art so be careful.

Larry 1300 wrote:Hi thanks for your reply. I never noticed any difference in the biting point when I was last driving her but I will keep an eye on that the next time that I am out in her. Should I top up the master cylinder to near the top please?

There should be a MAX fill mark on the outside of the master cylinder reservoir. To check the slave cylinder you will need to get under the car and look for any signs of dampness where the push-rod goes into the body. Also, pull the rubber boot back and check to see if there is fluid behind it.

The commonest reason I have found for a clutch pedal staying on the floor when fluid levels are OK is a rucked carpet keeping it there by friction!!

Larry

If your clutch resavoir is the same as mine which it probably is the max mark is a small block cast into the inside of the reservoir near the top.

Bob

Hi thanks for your help. The carpet seems ok but I will keep an eye on it. I think that the clutch was biting quite low when I took her out of the garage. Will top her up and take her for a run.

xvivalve wrote:The commonest reason I have found for a clutch pedal staying on the floor when fluid levels are OK is a rucked carpet keeping it there by friction!!

Err, yeah.
But also a low level in the reservoir.

I see the Parts Books lists a return spring on the clutch pedal. Part no 152307. I'm not sure why its there as the clutch pedal should normally return by itself with back pressure from the clutch plate springs via the hydraulic fluid. Worth a look-see ?
Tony.