Elan clutch

[nissias]

Does anyone know if the Elan clutch is hydraulic or mechanical? My mechanic said that if it's mechanical then it's ok but if it's hydraulic I might be experiencing a problem. I need someone to answer me this simple question please

[nitroman]

mechanical

[Sy V]

I'll answer this before JB copies another missive from one of the manuals.

Mechanical. With a noise reduction unit fitted to all but the very early vehicles.

I take it that your mechanic hasn't seen the car yet. If not, I'd change mechanics if he can't spot a clutch cable, or the lack of a clutch fluid reservoir.

[nissias]

I think the cable needs to be replaced with something stronger. Is there something available if anyone knows?
Thanks for the info guys

[Sy V]

The OEM clutch cable is strong enough for a Massey Ferguson.

[nissias]

i'll leave till it's all gone and then replace cable, clutch & flywheel. It will be cheaper doing everything all together. Thanks for the info Sy v

[Doug]

agree with Sy. cable is plenty strong--though if worn a new one will help the 'feel' of it. also hydraulic is a bit more modern than 1990 in general . . .

[Nige]

also hydraulic is a bit more modern than 1990 in general . . .

Guess that makes my 1968 'Baby' Elan more modern than my M100s

Having had a loss of clutch towards the end of my first track session on Saturday my initial reaction was to think the cable had snapped, but I recalled Sy's comment about tractor like strength and investigated a little further. What had happened was that the base of the fixed portion of the cable (opposite end to the pedal) had come adrift from where it's normally secured to the gearbox casing, this in turn had caused the cable to become disconnected from the clutch release arm. Once identified the fix was easy and a couple of heavy duty nylon ty-wraps are now positioned to retain both the base end of the cable in it's mount and the cable to the release arm.