I have a 2003 1.6 MX5 that I drive in summer and put away in winter. I recently got it out after its winter break and had it MOTd, it passed but the clutch is slipping badly so am obviously not driving it. Getting the clutch done isn’t too much of a problem if needs be as my other half works on cars for a living but it just seems odd that the problem has occurred while the car has been standing still over winter. Anyone else had a similar problem?
It shouldn’t slip after being laid up for the winter. It’s either worn or has some contamination from either gearbox or engine oil. Can you see any evidence of fluid leaking from the join between the engine and gearbox? Does the pedal feel normal? Was it particularly stiff when you first pressed the pedal down as I’ve known clutch release bearings to be rusted on to the guide sleeve, but they usually free off quite quickly. I fear the gearbox might need to come out.
As said above…
Depends on a question of degree as to how much the clutch is slipping?
Generally, these clutches are tough as old boots.
Does it bite 100% eventually…or never quite get there?
If it does bite completely…eventually…you have not much to lose (after ensuring the brakes, tyres and everything else are fit for the job) than to take it out somewhere safe for a gallon’s worth of thrashings to get everthing up to their designed operational states. It may well be general dampness & stickieness need boiled out. If everything was working OK before it was laid up, and there were no apparent leaks then, it may be just another case of a 5 complaining about being ignored! Give it a good caning first once you ensure you can stop & steer safely.
If the clutch is a goner anyway…you’ll soon know!
Not for the mechanically feint hearted I admit though.
I went through the famous Mk2.5 dodgy slipping clutch (warranty recall) episodes 10 years back…so I know what slipping clutches feel like.