I really need some advise. I'm the second owner of an 85 G, female, and haven't had any problems with the car. The first owner put a new clutch in maybe 30,000 miles ago. Today, as I'm negotiating some rural ditch construction equipment, the clutch pedal didn't spring back up when down shifted from 2nd to 3rd. Between working my foot on the pedal and yanking on the gear shift, I did finally get into second gear and shifted happily but cautiously on my way. The same thing happened again after coming to a couple conplete stops, going from 2nd to 3rd, but was easier to "get unstuck". The car sat for an hour and was fine on the drive home, but althoug the "catch point" seemed to be the same, the clutch pedal doesn't seem to have the same "spring back" to it. Or maybe it's just my imagination and fear of being stranded in a tiny little car in the middle of no where. I learned to drive on a 3 on the tree pick up, and have driven standards on and off for several years, and haven't had any problem like this in the 3 summers I've driven it. Is there some sort of adjustment that needs to be made or some sort of fliud I need to check? I'd really appreciate anything you guys have to offer.

 

Sounds like hydrolics. I would check the fluid in the clutch master cylinder (drivers side on the firewall). Run your hand underneath and if leaking you may need to change it. When changing it is best to change out the slave cyclinder and hose as well. Pretty inexpensive easy job. There are many posts on this as it is a common problem with these cars. If you need more detail search on clutch master cylinder.

 

yeah its definetaly the hydraulics, first try flushing the clutch cylinder to get any air out. but most likely if its the stock one it will need a rebuild or replacement.

here's one thread RE: flushing clutch fluid. https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...t=flush+clutch

as for replacement, check the haynes manual or FSM, or just search around here, its a pretty easy job other than the two bastard nuts on the inside of the car up on the firewall. arggh!

i almost got stranded when the same thing happened to me but i kept pulling the clutch pedal up with the toe of my shoe and kept pumping it hoping to get some pressure, seemed to work pretty well atleast just to get me home.

 

Change out your clutch master..

 

i hate those ****** goddamn nuts!
but it helps to take the pedal pushrod thingy that goes inside of the m/c out when youre trying to remove the thing.
-jason

 

Thanks guys. I checked the fluid level, ran my hand underneath the cylinder, didn't get gooey. Definately need to put more fluid in because the level is below minimum. I'll try that first, and go from there. I really appreciate your help.

 

in this case, i would definately bleed the system.

 

or you could buy a master cylinder rebuild kit for $12, its not hard they're only 5 parts inside your master cylinder.

 

You guys are great. Between pictures and directions you guys gave me I could probably do it myself but..might break a nail. At least I know what I'm talking about when I go to get it fixed. This is something a regular mechanic can do, right? I don't let my inspection mechanic touch the engine, I have a friend who does that under the table - he's worked in a Mazda garage since the first rx was sold in the states.
Next I'm going to tackle the leaky washer resevoir hose thingy.
Thanks again and as for the vivid description of the nuts................. I thought you were talking about my co workers!

 

I had the same issue. I luckly have a fix it book and my friend showed me that its the clutch release cylinder and the rubber seal on the bottom has cracked and needs to be replaced. I'm doing it tomorrow so we'll see how this goes....