I rolled my sleeves up and set about investigating the clutch issues tonight. First of all I took the driver’s seat out and the under-dash panelling, and got in the footwell for a good gander at the pedal and master cylinder. All appeared to be in order there.

Under the bonnet I noted that the brake and clutch fluid level had fallen to just below ‘min’ – but more importantly the tube that runs down to the clutch master cylinder (at the top of the clutch pedal) is slightly higher than the ‘min’ level.

I topped that up and with a bit of pedal pumping and squeezing of that blue tube above I managed to bleed the system and get the clutch working again. There was also a small puddle of brake fluid forming on the garage floor under the gearbox – I was on to something! Time to get the car up in the air…

It certainly looked like the clutch slave cylinder was leaking. I removed it from the gearbox for further inspection.

The seals certainly look knackered. ECP list an OE clutch slave for under £25, so I’ll order one tomorrow and try my luck. If that sorts it, I’ll be well pleased.

While the car was out I hand a gander under the rear seat in search of the fuel leak.

All looked dry under there, and no smell of fuel. I then jacked up the rear right corner and removed the wheel arch liner.

All very grimy under there, with a faint smell of fuel. I gave it a clean.

Then no smell of fuel. I even ran the car for a few minutes, but no smell or evidence of a leak. Curious. By this point it was late, so I pushed the car back into the garage (I’ve left the old clutch slave cylinder dangling under the car!) and I’ll re-investigate the fuel scenario once I’ve tried to get the clutch going again.