Thanks to all who commented on my last problem. Replacing the oil metering lines fixed the smoking issue.

Now on to the next issue. On occasion I have problems getting the car (1980 LS with 5 speed) into gear. I can usually tell when this is going to happen because I feel no “resistance” on the clutch pedal when it’s depressed. Sometime pumping the pedal will remedy this other times I need to add fluid to the master cylinder. I have looked over the master cylinder and the lines going from it to the slave on the upper left side of the transmission housing but see no visible signs of leakage. I also notice if filled to the “max” level the clutch seems mushy. Over-filling to about an 1/8 of an inch from the top however seems to work better. I’d appreciate the group’s thoughts on possible problem and solutions. I am now trying to determine how much it will take to fix. Will it be just the master or slave, maybe both or do I need to go as far as a new clutch, PP and TOB? The current transmission has about 35K miles (and 15 years on it). Thanks

 

First off, it's got to be leaking somewhere....
Most obvious are lines/connections, you can also pull the slave boot back and take a peek to see if the slave is leaking. Also look/feel on both sides of the firewall (especially on the interior) for fluid leaking.
And yes, I would replace Master, slave, and hose all together. New is better or rebuilt (or you can rebuild it yourself) is ok.
I wouldn't replace the pressure plate or throw out bearing unless they're bad.

 

if ur needing to pump the clutch pedal to get things to engage/disengage properly, then it's a problem with either the master cylinder or slave cylinder, or both. best to just replace both along with the flex line to the slave.

 

agreed with above -
low mileage old car usually = lots of time just sitting, which is NOT good for the whole car, but brakes and clutch hydraulics especially so. Br fluid attracts water. Then factor in long periods of just sitting means water in the fluid/lines/hardware, all merrily rusting away the innards. By replacing all three components ( Master, slave and line - you can get a sweet stainless steel replacement for about $30), will save you from chasing the problem from one component to the next. Unless recently worked on, you can look forward to the brakes being next. Been there...
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

^^agree with Stu 100%. if you are seeing no visable signs of leakage outside of the car look at the piston on the master cylinder. you can see where the rod from the clutch pedal sits in the piston on the master cylinder. when you look in this area, look for seepage from the master cylinder.

 

You'll probably find that the master cylinder is leaking to the inside of the car, and soaking into the carpet mat. Most common point of fluid loss on the clutch system, and a real pisser to clean up after.

 

That's what happened to me. ^ I just rebuilt the master cylinder, and no more leaking, along with replacing the slave cylinder like 3 months before. Fixed my problems