Hiace Engine / Gearbox Total Disconnect?

[dugo]

Hi

My brother has a 2000 reg Long Wheelbase HiAce with (I think) a 2.4 engine.

He was driving it recently in 4th, changing down into 3rd as he approached a junction - and when he took his foot off the clutch and started to accelerate - the engine raced. Thinking he was accidentally in neutral, he tried again - and then tried all gears, with the same behaviour; he had to coast the van into the side of the road - and then get it towed.

So there is no through connection between the engine and the wheels. You can select any gear but you can't go anywhere.

Has anyone heard of this happening before? It sounds like a clutch failure. Is this a common or uncommon type of event on the HiAce?

The next question is - what is the remedy? If it is the clutch - then I guess that likely means replacement; is that an expensive job in terms of parts and time? (Anyone have actual figures from a simiiar job?)

Thanks for any input on this..!

Doug