306 DTurbo - convert to auto

yangreen · Unread post by **yangreen** » 25 Jan 2005, 14:12

Hi
Anyone know whether it is possible/advisable to convert a non-HDi Dturbo to automatic? The heavy clutch is starting to get annoying spoiling what otherwise is a lovely car.
Yan

rossd · Unread post by **rossd** » 25 Jan 2005, 17:14

Easiest thing would be to change the clutch....! I'm not sure the auto box would handle the torque of the TD engine, hence they never came from the factory for probably this reason.

yangreen · Unread post by **yangreen** » 25 Jan 2005, 17:59

I had the clutch changed when I bought the car thinking it was faulty (luckily under warranty) but it has always been far from light. Is this just a trait of the car or am I having bad luck?
Ian

blueagle78 · Unread post by **blueagle78** » 25 Jan 2005, 18:08

I've just bought an M reg XTDT 306 and its clutch is as heavy as my previous N reg DTurbo car. My cousin loves Peugeot 306 and he has had 4 different cars so far and the clutch has always been heavy on those. I think its just the way Peugeot diesel cars are!

PowerLee · Unread post by **PowerLee** » 25 Jan 2005, 23:04

Most Peugeot clutches are heavy at first, You will get used to it.
My petrol 405 has a heavy clutch & its fine, Had a new clutch & cable last year.
The time to worry is when the clutch pedal goes light!
A diesel turbo & an auto box will not be a happy marriage, The torque of the engine will kill the autobox very quickly!

yangreen · Unread post by **yangreen** » 26 Jan 2005, 01:17

Ok, thanks guys. Guess I'll just have to exercise that left leg.
I've actually had the car for over 3 years and funnily enough, used to find the clutch less of an issue when I lived in a big city. I think now I live out in the sticks, I've lost my leg condition as I now have a drive to work with an average speed closer to 60mph than 6. It really does demonstrate just how much fun a 306 is on country lanes!
Yan

Dave Bamber · Unread post by **Dave Bamber** » 26 Jan 2005, 03:23

Welcome to the forum Yan, a 306 DT and a 2CV. Nice![8D]
Your 306 sounds like a cable problem. The cable on the RHD model is very long and routed close to the turbo, and the heat kills it. A fresh cable at £19.50 plus VAT is a bit cheaper than a drastic change to auto, costing at a guess two grand[:0]

yangreen · Unread post by **yangreen** » 26 Jan 2005, 16:46

I think I was after auto as I also have a Rover P6B V8 auto (sadly for sale due to lack of funds) and it has made me lazy!
The cable actually failed at about 50k (just after I told a main dealer to get stuffed over the lengthy "problems" list. Co-incidence? You be the judge!) and my trusty mechanic actually managed to repair it - the self-adjustment mechanism had failed. 38k later it is still working fine but maybe replacing it would help.
Thank goodness the warranty is up now so I don't have to take it to a "cowboy" main dealer for servicing! Two have attempted to rip me off so I was glad to escape!

Peter D · Unread post by **Peter D** » 26 Jan 2005, 19:45

Whilst the auto box can probably handle the torque the diff ratio is not compatible and the top speed will be limited probably to about 70 flat out and not where a deisel is best suited. Not a good idea to fit a petrol auto to your car. Regards Peter

PowerLee · Unread post by **PowerLee** » 26 Jan 2005, 23:03

If your gonna replace the clutch cable, Replace the plastic linkage & metal clip on the pedal too, About £3 from Peugeot.