Clutch slip - intermittent - rule anything else out?

[Bossworld]

So when the car failed the MOT, they also said the clutch was slipping. I had my previous doubts about the clutch but the car was down with a family mechanic last year who said in his opinion it didn't need changing.

Posting after a further week of driving. It doesn't seem to do it all the time, it pulls fine up hills without any sign of the revs increasing on their own.  Is there a bullet-proof test I can do?

On a side note, the method they must have used to diagnose a slipping clutch has me concerned as to their practices. They don't do the MOT themselves, it's a nearby garage, which is all 30mph roads.

I've been able to replicate what I think is clutch slip (revs rising but car not accelerating) but you're talking flooring the car in 2nd or 3rd on a NSL road.  It's also not happening every time.

I've messaged Steve at D1 Customs, don't suppose anyone knows any garages in the North East?  I saw Patrick's recommendation for an mx-engineinwrongplace  place out in County Durham.

[normanh]

Check for an oil leak from the gearbox on the input shaft - most likely source, had similar on mine years ago. If i remember right theses a cover you can remove which might give a view or at least the source of a strong smell. Its a pretty rare fault but worth checking out, gearbox strip down and new clutch if it is sadly.

Norman

[Mr X]

When the clutch went on mine it was slipping intermittently. Going from 3rd to 2nd while driving (revs jump up) or pulling away in 3rd or 4th (engine stalls, this test is from standing). It would do it mostly just while driving randomly.

Like you, I'd be driving along and it would slip when putting the foot down but not every time. Took it off and the material on the plate was very low.

Changed it and all was good.

[Bossworld]

Thanks both. Hopefully can get it changed for about £250, given the mileage and lack of what's been changed over the years I think it's just going to have to be done.

I tried the putting it in 4th with handbrake on test and it stalled pretty much straight away. Hopefully it means it can soldier on for a couple more months of gentle use

[shnazzle]

Sounds much the same as mine. Drive fine but every now and then when putting it under high load there'd be a slip.
This sounds daft but one thing I noticed quite clearly when  I put in the new clutch was the sound on engaging when accelerating quickly.
There should be a crisp "snap" to the gear change instead of a prolonged switch.

So.. A bit more like a oscilloscope would show for a digital signal vs an analogue sine wave.
I had the latter, which then turned digital when I changed.

[Beachbum957]

The first clue is often a "soft" engagement on a shift where it doesn't bite quickly.  We ran probably 2,000 miles with an intermittent issue until it became more frequent.  Then the clutch suddenly starting slipping on uphills.  We waited a bit too long, and the disk was worn to the rivets

[Carolyn]

If you think your clutch is slipping, it almost certainly is. 

Then one might as well get the job done as soon as it's convenient.

[Bossworld]

Thanks all happy to get it done just need to bide my time until there's a free slot.