pfsantos

iTrader: (1)

Hello guys (and gals):

I've lost ALL my clutch fluid. My master cylinder is dry. I can still change gears, not sure if that's a clue but I'm surprised. Found out when I was trying to flush the fluid.

Anyway, I added fluid to the master reservoir, and started trying to bleed the air out. Nothing is coming out of the slave cylinder while pumping the clutch and opening the bleeder at the slave. Also, the level at the reservoir was staying the same. That's losing me!

I thought I had to bleed the clutch master because of this, so I loosened the fitting at the front of the clutch master reservoir and it sprayed fluid out. Took the fitting off and placed finger, had someone step on the clutch slowly, to let any air out. Not sure if I'm doing this part properly.

I know I'm getting fluid drips under the bellhousing, so I'm pretty sure the slave is leaking. Would this be enough for no fluid to come out of the slave bleed? How come the clutch master reservoir level is not going down?

I also used a vacuum pump at the slave bleed, opened it, pumped the clutch, but nothing happens.

Long post, but I've been here for a while and I know the good guys here need all info I can provide.

Cheers and a good evening to all.

farberio

iTrader: (7)

Keep bleeding the clutch, eventually it will pull through the master cylinder.

If you haven't replaced your hydraulics yet, now is a good time to replace the entire system.

jgrewe

iTrader: (1)

Look for turbulence in the master reservior when the pedal is pushed. That will tell you fluid is bleeding back passed the seals. On the slave, just squeeze the rubber boot on the push rod, if there is any leaking there the boot will hold quite a bit.

I usually replace both at the same time. Its best to bench bleed the master before installing. Fill it and pump it until it moves fluid. I made a special hose that feeds the fluid right back into itself.

HAILERS

I second the bit about reaching over to the slave cylinder and pulling it's rubber boot off and seeing if there is any fluid there. IF there is fluid inside the boot, the slave needs to be changed out.......unless you KNOW the fluid came from opening the bleed screw and the fluid came out of the bleed screw and ran into the rubber boot (not likely).

Bleeding clutch master? Run around like a chicken with its head cut off. That's what I do. I grab the clutch pedal with my hand and pump with vigor.............then go the slave bleed and open it for a couple of seconds or so........shut the bleed........pump the clutch pedal with vigor again..........repeat for about five or six times. Finally you'll see bubbles of fluid coming out of the slave bleed screw indicating fluid is now entering the slave and the lines b/t slave and master. Before you know it, when you vigorously pump the clutch pedal by hand, it now has backpressure and now you can use your foot.

About the time that happens, I just open the slave bleed........fill the master to the top......and let it dribble out of the slave bleed for five or ten minutes. More or less done at that time.

Sounds assbackwards from what some think should be done........but works for me.

IF the clutch master is leaking, you'll see fluid dribble down the firewall inside the car. The carpet will get soaked. Takes several refills of the master to soak the carpet.

pfsantos

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys.

Funny thing I can't make sense out of is this. When I had the vacuum pump with hose on the bleader, bleader opened, it was holding vacuum. How can this be? I was hoping to suck the air out. If the slave is leaking, then It would be either sucking through the line or through the leaking part, no?

I have to research cross-sections of slaves and masters.

Keep your comments coming. Thanks again.

HAILERS

Did it hold a vacuum if you depressed the clutch pedal to the floor?

After I get some fluid coming out the bleeder, I can just top off the master reservoir and walk away from it and the fluid keeps coming out the bleeder til I'm satisfiyed most of the air is long gone. Keeping a close eye on the reservoir though.

pfsantos

iTrader: (1)

Update for those who may find this thread by searching...

I rebuilt the slave cylinder with a kit by Wagner. Came with a new piston, seal installed in piston, and spring that goes behind piston. Popped off the piston with a bicycle pump (forgot the air compressor at home), cleaned the cylinder with a cloth, then brake cleaner. Lubed cylinder, piston and seal with brake fluid, and put things back.

Everything's cool now. The main thing is it took real long and many pumps to get all the air out of the system. So any of you, be patient. I thought something was wrong there, but it had just too much air. Remember, my reservoir was dry. Car is stored in winter, but not really an excuse not to check fluid level. Check your fluid levels, all of them.

Good evening to all.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

I had the same thing Happen to me.
What I did was put a Hose on the Slave bleeder..a Long hose,about 2-1/2 feet.
Take the Cap off the Master .
Open the slave Bleeder and "SUCK" in the Hose..(really,I am Serious!).Close Bleeder.exhale..SUCK again.
I know it may sound Nasty..BUT in a PINCH this Method WORKS>it draws fluid INTO the Slave From the Master.,,just don't Suck TOO hard and swallow brake fluid.
Once you determine that Fluid has entered the Slave cylinder,.you then fill the Master cylinder,put the cap back on the master, and Bleed the Cluctch normally..Pump,pump pump.HOLD and crack bleeder.Shut bleeder,repeat,check Pedal feel,..It should be GOOD to go!.
Cheers ..Rinse and Spit!

pfsantos

iTrader: (1)

Styx - only met you once, but I believe you.

Two things you reminded me of. I had to remove the slave cylinder to rebuild it. I disconnected the line where the metal line on the firewall connects to the rubber hose to the slave. Put a hose from the metal pipe flare end to the master reservoir and pumped a few times to make sure I bled the master enough. The other thing mentined in a post above is what you said ^ about putting a hose from the slave bleeder to the reservoir. Excellent advice when you're removing air. Once the air is gone, proceed to flushing, i.e. hose goes to waste bottle, new fluid into reservoir.