RX-4 clutch hydraulics questions
 

Hey guys,

Well spring is coming here in salty New England,and I want to get the RX-4 ready to use. I have only owned it since November,and drove it some before the weather turned bad. Just before I stopped driving it the clutch hydraulics started acting up. Now when I tried moving it in the garage last week the hydraulics are completely shot.

I am not sure what to do about replacing/rebuilding the system though. And here is why. The previous owner installed a GSL-SE engine with a holley,and RX-7 transmission. The seller told me the trans was a 2nd gen unit,but I am not so sure. The more I look at it from the engine bay,and shifter area the more I think it is a 79-80 RX-7 transmission. The trans has some issues anyway as it makes noise,and pops out of 5th gear when you give it a good stab at the throttle,but is fine if you apply the power slowly.

I think the master cylinder is the stock RX-4 unit,and it doesn't appear it or the slave is leaking,but there is an issue. If I bleed the system it seems to be okay for a day or so,but then goes bad again. It must be pulling in air somewhere. Do I try to find a rebuild kit for the RX-4 master,or just buy/use a RX-7 unit(I have a few spares from 79 cars)? Can you tell from pics if the transmission is a 79-80 unit? How about the slave?

Pics can be seen here:

http://web.me.com/cdirado/Diradosite/74-RX-4.html

Thanks in advance.

It's aSA tranny post pix of clutch master so we can ID it

As far as a replacement slave cylinder and flex line go, you should be able to use stock FC parts. I'm still using the stock 4 speed in my Rx-4 and the FC slave cylinder and stock Rx-4 unit are pretty much identical. I'm also using a braided stainless FC NA clutch line. I don't have it yet so I'm not sure if I'll need to change the factory hard line, but a little bit of 3/16" brake line and some flaring will fix that.

Hey Wacky,

I added some pics of the master cylinder to my site. I also have a pic of a set of ratty looking 83 LE wheels on the RX-4. Tell me what you think. I have a much nicer set of these same wheels as you can also see.

http://web.me.com/cdirado/Diradosite/74-RX-4.html

Chris

the clutch master is pre-81, but I cant remember if its stock. if you decide to replace the clutch slave, I highly recommend replacing the clutch master at the same time. If I were you, I will use an 81+ and just re-do the hardlines with fine thread. its not hard to do, I've done it many times. Just buy the double-flare tool and line cutter from harbor freight (add the small bender too if yo must) plus a short 3/16 brake line (metric) from autozone or something

Will the 81+ RX-7 master bolt to the firewall,and work with the pedal rod just fine? I have a spare hard line or two,but I think they are 79-80 specific. If the RX-7 master will work I will just get the 81+ master,and slave,and I have made up many a brake line in the pastso that shouldn't be too tough.

Chris