33 Clutch?

V8Pete · #1 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 12:59 AM

Hello,

I was an Alfa virgin up until yesterday when I (foolishly?) bought a 33 1.7 QV. I drove it home alright but today when I tried to drive it I couldn't get it into gear. The clutch goes nearly all the way to the floor before it feels like it's doing anything but when I tried putting it in 1st or reverse it made a horrible graunching noise (heaps worse than the occasional 3rd to 2nd noise). On one attempt the car seemed to move forward a bit before I pulled it out. I tried pumping the clutch but it made no discernable difference.

Am I doing something wrong or is there something wrong with the car?

I searched this messageboard and Google but couldn't find a similar sounding problem.

Any help would be appreciated.

kaBOOM · #2 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 01:32 AM

(foolishly?) bought a 33 1.7 QV <-- Never a foolish idea!!!!!

Sounds like a Clutch master/slave cylinder is not supplying enough pressure and the clutch is not dis-engageing totally (hence the crunch)

First I'd double check the amount of hydraulic/brake fluid you have. If thats toped up then you'll be looking at the cylinders. Good news is Clutch master/slave cylinders are quite easy to source, and if they are totally stuffed are not that expensive (Compared to say my VL turbo....) Worst case is that its the clutch pressure plate has packed up and snapped the "springs" (for want of a better word), I've seen it happen once.

Where abouts are you located?

V8Pete · #3 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 01:48 AM

Hi Kaboom

I'm in Auckland, NZ.

The fluid level seems fine. Howcome it was fine yesterday when I bought it and doesn't work now?

5 years of thrashing a 260,000 km Camira didn't brake anything, but 45 mins driving an Alfa...

kaBOOM · #4 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8Pete

Hi Kaboom

I'm in Auckland, NZ.

The fluid level seems fine. Howcome it was fine yesterday when I bought it and doesn't work now?

5 years of thrashing a 260,000 km Camira didn't brake anything, but 45 mins driving an Alfa...

V8Pete · #5 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 02:02 AM

Camira's are great. I love mine but it smells terrible and I hate turning up to places smelling like the Camira so I thought I'd get an Alfa to see if they were all they're cracked up to be. Maybe I shouldn't have parked the Alfa in front of the Camira on the (uphill) driveway.

Give me a cable clutch any day

kaBOOM · #6 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 02:15 AM

Uh cable clutch, I've had several run-ins with the damn things. Never again....lol

AllthingsZagato · #7 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 01:24 PM

Hi,

Many moons ago, well 4 years, I had a 33 P4. AMongst all the other things I replaced in taking the mileage up to 250K was the clutch, similar failure to yours turned out the finger springs on the pressure plate had finally given up the ghost meaning it was impossible to release the pressure plate. Just for information on the P4 I replaced;
All the propshaft UJ's several times.
Wheel brgs Front & rear
Rear springs- they both cracked
Front suspension strut- the spring platfrom rusted through firing the road spring into the road!
Clutch
Clutch slave cylinder
Timing belts
Fuel tank
Finally gave up when the reinforcing plate that the viscous coupling ripped out the floor....

Apart from that a great car!

kaBOOM · #8 (**permalink**) 09-27-2005, 01:44 AM

/me dreams of getting a P4......

V8Pete · #9 (**permalink**) 09-29-2005, 11:54 PM

I talked to the ex owner who said it had just had a new slave cylinder. I bled it today and it seems all good.

V8Pete · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2005, 02:01 AM

More air. Looks like I'll be attacking the master cylinder. I've spent more time working on it than I've spent driving it...

genius · #11 (**permalink**) 10-08-2005, 12:50 PM

Pete...keep going...once it's good you'll have a great time...

PM me if you need directions to a good Alfa mechanic/parts...(I'm also in Auckland)...

V8Pete · #12 (**permalink**) 10-08-2005, 03:26 PM

It'll have to sit rusting until next weekend. It was too windy yesterday and today... am I allowed to mention Bathurst on here?

V8Pete · #13 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 04:46 AM

Genius, are master cylinder kits available for 33s? If so, where can I acquire one? I rang Racebrakes and they can only reco it for $125.

I haven't pulled it out yet - just asking in advance.

Thanks

evilgidget · #14 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 05:39 AM

Why reco when a NEW one is only about $195?

V8Pete · #15 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 07:14 PM

Don't know why I didn't think of it earlier, but CCS has a kit for $47 or new for $136. Problem solved.