Examination of parts of a damaged clutch fitted in a Austin Metro Motor Car. 1. Introduction 1.1 A request was received for an examination to be carried out on the subject clutch parts which were reported to have been responsible for a virtually complete loss of power transmission from the engine in a Austin Metro motor. 1.2 It is understood that the vehicle [Para 1.1] had just been purchased when power transmission was lost. It was the first time that the new owner had driven the vehicle. 1.3 The recorded mileage on the subject vehicle when it was purchased was 98,871 and 98,879 when the clutch became unserviceable. The examination requested was to determine the reason why the subject clutch had failed to transmit power. 2. Examination Results 2.1 The parts of the subject clutch submitted for examination are shown on Plate 01. It carried the readable identification markings detailed in the caption to this Plate (Hold the mouse over any of the thumbnails for the caption). 2.2 Visual and macro examination of the parts shown on Plate 01 provided the following information: a] Temper colours on all three torque transmission links [one is arrowed on Plate 02] showed that they had been heated to a temperature above 260°C]. The friction pads were missing on the face of the clutch shown on Plates 01 to 03 inclusive. b] Metal to metal contact had taken place against a related clutch component [not supplied] on the side shown on Plates 01 to 03 inclusive. Local skin temperatures in excess of 300°C had been reached due to the clutch slipping. c] All the friction pad attachment rivet heads on the side shown on Plate 01 had been worn down and many were loose. d] The high friction pads on the face opposite to that shown on Plates 01 were worn out [an example is shown on Plate 04]. 3. Conclusions 3.1 It is considered that the subject pieces of clutch were from an assembly that had been 'burned out' in service. 3.2 It is also considered that the clutch had reached the end of its serviceable life before the vehicle in which it was assembled was sold. 4. Comment 4.1 It is understood that the vehicle in which the subject clutch was fitted when it malfunctioned was purchased on an 'as seen and accepted' basis. However, it is considered that the vehicle when purchased could be classified as not being in a 'fit for purpose' condition at the time the sale was agreed and that it was known by the seller to be in an unsafe condition before it was offered for sale.