Just to get this back on topic ... I drove the Ami to work tonight, having squirted a load of clutch cleaner onto what I could reach of the clutch. It actually wasn't as bad as I'd previously thought: the only time the slipping is really noticeable is if you're hammering it up through the gears and trying to do "racing" changes. Otherwise it's fine, and getting better as the oil burns off. So that's good.

Fingers crossed that will do it.

I guess one of two things will happen - it could simply wear off the contaminated layer (and it was just a brief soaking, after all - so I doubt it's gone 'deep'), or the surface of the friction plate will 'glaze' and develop a slippery carbonised layer - in which case it will surely also just wear off in time although taking longer?

(Ok, a third thing could happen too... )

I think I'd be inclined to drive the car as normal - ie: not deliberately allowing the clutch to excessively slip, heat up and glaze - and just allow 'nature' to takes its course.

Did I read you were selling the car? I guess it depends on who buys it - how mechanically savvy they are - but perhaps an arrangement can be made to explain the situation fully with an expectation of things returning to normal but with a guarantee from you to pay for a new clutch if it doesn't clear up by itself after, say, a couple of months? Mind you, that would need a trusting buyer with an understanding of the practicals...

Anyways...

Not sure I am selling it now ... I've had no interest from either 2CV forum and I've got better things to do than deal with the "Brains Trust" who seem to inhabit ebay motors these days ... Besides, I got a headlamp flash from a bloke in a Reliant Rialto on Saturday morning ... that wouldn't happen if I was just driving a shabby old Landy about the place.

So don't sell it !!!