Clutch issue

[archie76]

I have browsed the threads for info, and found it very helpful. However, I would like a wee confirmation.

symptoms - When changing into third and fourth gears, the clutch appears to not fully engage. I have also found it to slip underload (going up a hill) occassionally.

I have attempted to wd40 the bar that the pedals are fixed to as suggested in various threads. My question is could this be an oil leak contaminating the clutch plate? Or is the clutch worn? or does it just need adjusted?

Could someone please list the steps to go through to diagnose this problem.

regards

[bmcecosse]

Look under and see if oil is dripping from the split pin dangling from the drain hole in the bellhousing. You can also pry out the rubber bungs in the bellhousing - shine a bright beam in one and look in the other to see if wet with oil. Check also if there is some free-play in the clutch pedal - should be 1/2 to 1 ". But it does sound like the clutch is slipping very badly - and will likely need renewing now whatever the original cause. Oil leakage is due to pressure in the engine crankcase - to check - hot engine idling - take the oil filler cap off and rev up - is there a plume of smoke/fume ?