Alfa Romeo GTV

[Amateb8]

Okay, this is not a Fiat 126 query, but here we go. The clutch on my Alfa when pressed does not go up again. I can sort of lift it up manually, but, when pressed again, the clutch pedal does not come up. Any ideas? Is it the clutch slave cylinder?

[Draigflag]

Yes I beleive it is. Happens on the Abarth 500's from time to time.

Oh one thing you should check is that its not catching on the mats. Sounds silly but its happened a few times!

[Amateb8]

Many thanks for responding. I did not think anyone would respond, as it was an Alfa. I thought it was. At least the garage can't say it was something else when I take it in for repairs. Thanks again.

[ChrisRLewis]

Sounds like a slave cylinder, have you tried bleeding the clutch hydraulics?

[Amateb8]

I looked at the brake cylinder reservoir, thinking it might need topping up, but it is at the maximum. Tried pumping the clutch pedal to no avail. The pedal still refused to come up. The seal on the brake master cylinder or slave cylinder might have ruptured. Unfortunately, I do not know where to find the clutch hydraulics or where the brake master cylinder is.

[gsxr126]

Look for fluid filling the master as you press the clutch in. If it doesnt you may have a blocked line as well. Something that often gets overlooked. Also check the slave for the seal working effectively. Sometimes its not the seal but the surface its sealing on. It may be pitted and leaking that way. A quick scuff with some sand paper usually works.

[Amateb8]

Many thanks again. I shall check tomorrow morning. Presume there will be obvious signs of a leak. Hopefully the weather will by dry!!

[Allan]

Some models have an over centre type spring attached to the pedal. This helps the pedal down from about halfway and holds it up at the top. Check to see if this is fitted and working. The other thought is that there is a build up of gunge in one of the cylinders or the return spring at the slave is broken or missing.

[Funkin Go-nut]

The slave cylinder sits on top of the clutch housing/gearbox and is a DIY job i believe, you may have to remove the battery tray to get access..if its the master its more difficult as its sits behind the pedal.

really common problem on 916 series cars..

[Amateb8]

Many thanks! It is difficult to access. The battery tray is in the boot. Can't do a visual check as the car is too low, if behind pedal. The car is going to get towed to an Alfa Specialist on Monday for repairs.

I've had the car (916) for a couple of years now, so far, apart from this, knock on wood, has been fairly reliable.

[Funkin Go-nut]

  of course it is....so you wont have to remove that..to gain access.
 
Should be an easy fix for your mechanic and not too expensive.

Great car though

is it a twinspark or V6 btw?

[Amateb8]

Quote to repair the slave cylinder is £117 incl VAT. Seems reasonable. My GTV is only a 2.0 TS, not a V6. I wanted a V6, but the consumption and insurance was a bit high for me. So opted for 2 litre. It is still quite fast and has the same brilliant handling as the V6. Changed the seats to leather, and installed a complete Cup kit, complete with 17 inch teledial alloys. So looks like an original V6 but without the high cost motoring. It has only done 42K miles.

[Funkin Go-nut]

Nothing wrong with the TS btw although you need to keep an eye on the belt changes (every 36 k to be safe)

The v6 has rose jointed rear suspension rather than rubber bushes so not prone to wear, I dont know if the ts can be updated.

Sounds like you have a nice one  

[fightingtorque]

I have the 156 V6, to be honest its quite a big lump for a front drive car, both weight distribution and torque steer wise, although I must admit much better since I got some decent tyres on it.
Did you get the clutch fixed?

[Amateb8]

Yes. The car is now fixed. It cost me £250 including VAT to get the car towed to the Alfa garage, new slave cylinder (incl seal), a new battery and small bit and bobs done. The car drives like a dream. Quite difficult to drive it slowly.

Before I bought the GTV, I was seriously contemplating on buying a 156 2.5 V6 or a 3.0 GTA. These cars were practical, but at the same time quite fast, sporty, and the image it portrayed was desirable. At the end of the day, the cost of motoring prevailed, hence the GTV TS. When I see an Alfa with a V6 whether it be a 2.5 or a 3.0 GTA, I know it is quite special, hence, I still dream of getting a V6. That said, I also love the shape the GTV! All it needs is a V6 under the bonnet. I actually have a picture of the Alfa V6 as my screensaver. Absolutely pornographic!