Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey guys,

About 2 weeks ago the clutch went in my zooks. I went to cross a main road and it just wouldn't move, was as if i was in neutral. Called the RACV and got me towed home. The dude went under and said the clutch is worn as hell and pretty much completely gone and i need to get a new clutch.

How much do you think it will cost me to get a new one installed? Should a get a new one or pick one up second hand and have it installed? I need you're opinions for if it's too much i'm just going to get rid of her. We've had since 85 and its been through 4 family members. I've been driving it for 4months and have already had to get the carbie reconditioned (cost me $370 at Dyno Performance which i read was a good place) then i was told i have muffler and exhaust corrosion and in time will need to get that changed (another $150-$170 i was told) and now with the clutch going i'm contemplating getting rid of the car.

It's got a 94 or 97 1.3ltr Barina engine in it which has done about 100k now. In total the car has only done 210k and runs well for its age. The car can hit its top speed of 140km/hr but 5th gear is rather weak. max's out at about 4500rpm.

As you may be able to tell, i don't know a heck of a lot about cars so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Anthony in Melbourne

racv roadside care is very good to get you going, or get you home, but they don't have the time or gear with them for a full inspection.
I'd get a 2nd opinion.
It could be gearbox, it may only be a busted clutch cable.
Sometimes the arm on side of bellhouse comes loose.

So don't chuck it away just yet.

If it is a clutch, my clutch kit cost me round $80.
Fitting is dear, though, cos box comes out.
When you(or whoever) did the Barina engine, was the clutch replaced or checked at that time?

christover

the clutch cable was checked and was all good. He physically got under the car and and tried turning some bolt thing to see if the car would move but it didn't help. he said the clutch was completely gone.

The barina engine was professionally fit and no one remembers whether the clutch was checked or not.

Is there any specific suzuki place i'd need to tow the car to to get the clutch done?

Any old backyard mechanic will be able to do a clutch in a sierra. It really is a pretty basic job.

Yeah, as said clutch is a simple job in a sierra, i have done a few in a backyard with just a set of ramps and a jack. At a guess it will be a 94 barina motor, as the 97 motor is not a suzuki motor. As for 2nd hand clutch - no no no no no. Clutch kit is not expensive. Do you know any mechanicaly minded mates, get them together, put on beers, get a copy of a service manual and go for it. Just make sure that you get the flywheel machined too.
Layto....

it doesnt seem like you are haveing many problems for a car of that age. learn to fix things yourself breakages wont be so expensive. dont get rid of it. if its doing a top of 140 then youve got a pretty good engine in it. by the way how does 140 feel in a sierra i reckon pretty hairy.

Sorry bout the delay, in replies. Unfortunately my dad won't let me or my mates attempt anything on the car which is rather unfortunate cos like i said its still running pretty well for its age. 140 in it feels pretty alright, holds it no probs even exceeds it pass the end of the speedo to about 144/145 id say with only very minor shaking. And this after i had a minor accident in it mind you, thank God for that steel bumper bar

If anyone knows somebody who's looking to buy a bush basher let me know, other wise we're taking the plates off and selling to the wreckers for whatever they offer.

By the way, i gave Ultratune a call and they said i'd be looking at around $1000 for the clutch