is my clutch OK?

[C191JOE]

Strange things happen. Buzzing along quite happily in the Maestro; suddenly there's a distinct lack of power through the clutch and the engine, not under load, begins to race. Back off the revs, reapply foot to acclerator gently and away we go with no more problem for perhaps a few days. Then it happens again, sometimes if I accelerate a little more forcibly than usual. Any ideas?
(1983 VP R Series 34k miles)

[mgdavid]

...is slipping - either 'cos it's worn out or there's oil getting on to it, probably due to a leak via the rear crank oil seal.

[E_T_V]

Firstly check that the cable is operating freely and adjusted properly (I think yours may be the earlier adjustable type rather than the later self adjusting ones). If it is adjusted correctly and the cable and arm are returning freely then the clutch is likely on its way out through either wear or oil contamination. One rather brutal way to check is to drive along at 30 ish in 4th. then dip the clutch whilst still applying the thottle fully, when the engine reaches 5krpm release the clutch quickly whilst still applying the throttle. The revs should die down back to normal pretty instantly and the car will lurch forward a little. If the revs take their time to come down or indeed don't come down at all then it is time to get the clutch looked at/replaced. This isn't a test you'll want to regularly perform as it is a little nasty to the clutch but it gives a good indication of how well it is performing.

[C191JOE]

Thanks everyone I'vedone all the things ETV said and most importantly discovered an incorrect adjustment of less than the 12mm gap specified - doh! I guess it will be all right now. Thanks again.