Clutch, fluid or master cylinder?

Usually the signs of brake fluid going off is brake fade being experienced earlier.

When was the flui last changed ?

Usual recommended interval is 2 years.

Fluid condition will not make any noticeable difference to clutch operation, it would work for a while at least with water in the system. Clutch and brake fluid should be changed every two years or so as it attracts water, effectively the fluid in the clutch circuit doesn't go anywhere and the fluid down at the slave cylinder must be quite fresh as you had a new one quite recently.

If the clutch is apparently not disengaging when hot then it means that either the clutch is not disengaging fully or the main shaft of the gearbox is being dragged along by the engine.

There is a slim chance of a ballooning flexible hose, possibly the release mechanism on/in the gearbox is stiff. Possibly the clutch itself is faulty, incorrect grease application during clutch fitting can give the same effect. if it uses one, the crankshaft spigot bearing may be at fault and drags the mainshaft with it (this was common on some fords) although many vehicles no longer have a spigot bearing.

"R D S" wrote

Hi Rick- do you know of the 2 Multipla owners forums? Very helpful bods there:

Thanks for that, i'll take a look but I have the feeling that there are too many forums in my life!

Thanks for the above.

If it makes any difference the problem is notably worse on a hot day.

I am sure it is fluid compression related as it occasionally gets so bad that I can't get the car in gear unless I switch off the engine for a moment and then fire it back up again.

then the first thing to try is to bleed some fresh fluid through, perhaps some air was left in from before?