Hey guys, I need some help diagnosing my problem.

I push the clutch pedal in and it does not return but maybe about 2 inches. When the pedal is pushed in, the clutch is NOT released (trying to start in first gear stalls the engine).

The fluid in the resivoir is black.

Any ideas?

I'm guessing Master/Slave cylinder. Can someone help me figure out how to diagnose to figure out which one is bad?

Thanks guys!

 

Change ALL of it.


-Ted

 

Black? Change the fluid (as RETed suggested) and see how it goes. If it's black then either the lines or the seals have disintegrated.

 

crapy fluid/air in lines.

 

Change all of it. If the fluid is black, the lines and seals have rotted.

You will need a rebuilt clutch master cyl, rebuilt slave cyl, and flexible clutch line. Your local auto parts store should probably be able to get you the Master and slave, but Corksport is your best bet for the line.

 

Ok thanks guys, thats what I'm thinking.

Do you think it would be worth my time just to bleed the lines and flush the fluid or just go ahead and start replacing cylinders?

I'd like to go cheapest/easiest route here.

 

Depending on where you are, the parts might have to be ordered. If they're ordered you might as well change the fluid so you can drive it around a little.

Unless this isn't your only car...

 

I pretty much think that any car with 120K or so on it needs those things replaced anyway... but that is just me. I don't like to be broken down ever. With the parts new, I know that it will last another 10+ years before I have to worry about them.

So, which is the cheapest route??? replacing them before the have failed completly as a maintence item... or getting stuck somewhere, paying for/ getting a tow, then having to buy the same parts anyway???

I personally wouldn't waste my time trying to just bleed the system.

 

I'm only keeping the car about 6 weeks longer while my new one is being ordered.

If it works until I trade it in, I'm fine.