Sounds like the cluch hydraulics have failed. This is not too surprising.
The points of possible failure are the clutch master cylinder, the slave
cylinder, and the flexible hose. In all likelihood you want to
rebuild/replace all three components, since they are probably the same
age and state of deterioration.The good part is that these are not too
expensive, and relatively easy to replace, as they do not require pulling
the engine! (as tearing down the clutch would). Since the fluid level
seems to be stable, perhaps the economical measure would be to replace
just the flex hose at first. Sometimes they swell on the inside and cut
off flow. With a known-good hose, it should be obvious if either of the
other components is not doing its job.
Did you actually observe oil pumping from the dipstick tube while the
engine was running, or was that a deduction? It's possible the base of
the dipstick appears oily merely because it is so difficult to clean in
that area, and the oil source is somewhere else. You might wrap a clean
rag around it and run the engine for a bit, to observe if fresh oil is
being released. If it is pumping oil out the dipstick tube, then you
might try removing the oil filler cap to see if by releasing the
crankcase pressure that way the pumping stops. Not that this is a
solution, just a diagnostic aid! I'm not familiar with the
smog-controlled engines, so I can't really suggest what steps to take
next, except to ensure that all the hoses and connections are functional
(not blocked).
BOB HILL had this to say:
>Well I finally got the car running this afternoon after much work and
>after adjusting the carb, the car runs fairly good (although I still
>think I am going to need to rebuild the carb). THanks for all the replies
>to my question on teh timing.
>
>Now I have two other questions that I would appreciate some advice.
>
>1) THe clutch does not seem to engage. THe lady I bought it from said
>she drove it on Memorial Day and it was runnign fine and it has been
>sitting ever since. I can out the car in gear without any gears grinding
>but all it does is jump and kill the engine. It seems as if instead of
>the clutch being frozen, it is simply not engaging. I have checked the
>fluid level and it is good, I have pumped the clutch thinking it might
>have air inthe line but neither of these seems to work. Any thoughts
>before tearing down the clutch?
>
>2) After running the car for a few minutes, I noticed a puddle of oil
>under the car (probably about an ounce or so). I looked under the car and
>see no place underneath that it appears to be leaking so I looked aroudn
>the filter and still no leaks. The only place that seemed "oily" was
>around the dipstick. Seems to be pumpong alittle around the dipstick
>while running. What would be causing this?
>
>Thanks in advance for your help.
>
>Bob
>
>79 MGB
>77 Midget
>
>
>
>
--
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Max Heim
mvheim@studiolimage.com
Studio L'Image/San Francisco
415 643 9309 : 415 643 9307 fax
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212 242 3366 : 212 242 3399 fax
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