Fluid in the Clutch Reservoir
04-27-13, 02:13 PM
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Fluid in the Clutch Reservoir
Haynes calls for standard brake fluid, Smart me...I topped it off with automatic xmission fluid. What's gonna happen? My transmission fall out? The clutch blows up? I get **** seepage? Do I need to drain off all the fluid and replace with brake fluid as called for? What happens if I don't?
04-27-13, 03:12 PM
#2
I vote **** seepage.
Really though the clutch system is a small system so it shouldn't take that long to flush it all out.
I would unbolt the clutch slave and the lines from the master and try to get all the ATF out. I would leave the master in and try to soak all the fluid out with a rag then reinstall the clutch lines with the slave and start bleeding the slave until clean brake fluid is coming out.
Really though the clutch system is a small system so it shouldn't take that long to flush it all out.
I would unbolt the clutch slave and the lines from the master and try to get all the ATF out. I would leave the master in and try to soak all the fluid out with a rag then reinstall the clutch lines with the slave and start bleeding the slave until clean brake fluid is coming out.
04-29-13, 05:40 PM
#5
Vaginal seepage.
ATF shouldn't hurt the clutch hydraulics. It actually has hydraulic fluid properties. I would flush it out with a big bottle of the cheapest parts store brand brake fluid you can find though ASAP to avoid being stranded from a stuck clutch pedal since I think ATF is heavier and may cause stress on the seals eventually.
ATF shouldn't hurt the clutch hydraulics. It actually has hydraulic fluid properties. I would flush it out with a big bottle of the cheapest parts store brand brake fluid you can find though ASAP to avoid being stranded from a stuck clutch pedal since I think ATF is heavier and may cause stress on the seals eventually.
05-01-13, 03:24 PM
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I would at least flush it out with brake fluid (no actually says it, but that is the correct fluid for the clutch) very, very thoroughly.
I would also wait for someone smarter than those that have responded so far (including me) to weigh in on the impacts from the ATF. I am not familiar with its composition and effects on the hydraulics relative to brake fluid, so i don't know what it does to hydraulic seals made for brake fluid.
I would also wait for someone smarter than those that have responded so far (including me) to weigh in on the impacts from the ATF. I am not familiar with its composition and effects on the hydraulics relative to brake fluid, so i don't know what it does to hydraulic seals made for brake fluid.
05-02-13, 09:02 AM
#7
Well seeing as how brake fluid is the most caustic fluid in a car (minus fuel of course) anything else you throw at the seals will be fine. It has pretty acidic properties. Ever dripped it on your paint only to watch it dissolve it before your eyes? ATF won't do that. ATF is a little heavier than brake fluid is my only concern. Depending on how much is in there it could thicken the fluid too much straining and breaking the seals. Plus ATF is also a hydraulic fluid. That's why it is used in power steering systems. Still needs a flush though.
Bottom line for the OP, it won't hurt anything if you have to drive it a short distance to the parts store etc. as long as your not doing a lot of clutch kicking or straining the plunger seals too much. It would be in your best interest to flush it with brake fluid ASAP though.
Bottom line for the OP, it won't hurt anything if you have to drive it a short distance to the parts store etc. as long as your not doing a lot of clutch kicking or straining the plunger seals too much. It would be in your best interest to flush it with brake fluid ASAP though.
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