Hello all. Was wondering if someone might be able to help me diagnose a problem

The GF has been complaining that her car has been having a few issues lately namely

Rattle at idle - more noticeable when clutch is disengaged
Judder when pulling away
More resistance than normal selecting gears
Slight squeal on clutch engagement


I had a look at it last night and was worried that the rattle sounded more like a knock...... oil just touching the end of the dipstick...

Topped the oil up today and I think it sounds better but the judder / gear selection problem is still there

any ideas?

I was thinking the judder on pulling away might be bearings having problems but the gear selection would suggest dragging clutch?

sounds like the clutch is on its way out, may have overheated, warped the plate causing the drag/difficulty selecting gears, and weakenenig the cush springs causing the rattle.

What car do you have?

Sorry its a Fiesta petrol 1.25

are these dual mass flywheel ? if so could tick a few boxses maybe

regards

Agriv8

Sounds like a CRB problem (or knackered engine mounts!)

so are we thinking the low oil is a red herring and not the cause ??

I was starting to thing CRB

quote:

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Originally posted by cadebytigerI was starting to thing CRB

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clutch release bearing - took me a while too

Yes, definitely clutch release bearing problem.

When it collapses (inner & outer races become separated) the clutch doesn't disengage properly, gear changes become difficult and they usually either rattle or squeal.

I would say oil level is a red herring from a diagnosis point of view - just tell her to keep an eye on it.

High oil consumption on these engines is either PCV valve not working properly or valve stem oil seals.
New valve approx. £8+ from your local Henry dealer and 5mins to fit.
Valve stem oil seals - watch this space and I'll let you know if replacement possible without removing the head.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe

Would a compression test show up oil seal wear?

It wouldn't show up oil seal wear but if the oil was still on the dipstick, it wasn't too low! There's plenty left after the dipstick has finished its job!

crb failing, reducing stroke of release arm, causing sticky shifts and grinding under load.

The 1.25 don't like low oil big end go really easy, I've done a coupl of engines for diffrent people.

Sounds like the CRB is dead or close to it

Think its a cable operated clutch on these iirc

When the car is idling and the CRB is making the noise put your foot under the clutch pedal and gently lift it slightly
See what happens to the noise, chances are it will either stop or be quieter
This will confirm the CRB is the culprit

Needs sorting sooner rather than later as they can break up and sometimes take the springs on the pressure plate out


as an idea Book time for clutch replacement on one of these is around 4 hours



As for the low oil level, just top it up and fingers crossed She's got away with it
Keep an eye on the level and an ear for any more noises..

[Edited on 25/11/10 by perksy]

I think it may depend on the year, but the 1.25 I had used the IB5 gearbox and was a hydraulic operated clutch. Mine was 1996 'P'.

If the worst comes to the worst, you can easily get a complete replacement engine for about £100 for these. There's normally loads on eBay, and I've got a spare one in my garage!


Ed.

[Edited on 26/11/10 by Madinventions]