The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

My 1500HL with overdrive has just become road legal after 3 years of welding (off and on). Unfortunately it has developed a slipping clutch on its first trip after getting an MOT. I can induce slip in 2nd, 3rd and 4th, with or without overdrive. I had briefly jacked the rear up extra high for access and some oil ran out the bellhousing from the gearbox (scroll type seal) so I am assuming some oil has gotten onto the clutch friction plate during these few days when it was at a steep angle. However, I did read that the overdrive clutch can produce similar faults, although it has always worked fine during the many years driving before it sat in my garage for welding. I have checked the gearbox oil level but this made no difference.

Can I assume that my overdrive clutch is still fine and the fault is probably oil on the clutch plate? Is there any checks I need to make before I pull the engine and gearbox out for a look? Although I like my dolly I don't want to have to take the engine out twice if the overdrive is toast.
Thanks

Definitely sounds more like the main clutch than the O/D clutch, though oil on the plate will often cause an accompanying judder. Don't forget to top up the gearbox if you've lost that much!

Steve

Yes its the normal clutch. If its the O/D it wont slip when engaged as it doesnt drive through the one way clutch (in the O/D). Front seal in the box leaking into the bell

Tony

I took the engine and gearbox out and the clutch was contaminated with oil. The new clutch is installed and it is driving normally and I went to the Selkirk car show on Sunday with no problems.
Once I took the started motor off and realised the inside of the bellhousing was oily I knew I had found the cause. In hindsight taking the starter off for a look would have confirmed the fault earlier.
Thanks for your help.