Clutch problem

[RipGMH]

So the car has been sat in the garage for almost 2 months, fired it up today, after a jump start, and had a soft clutch pedal. Gave it a few pumps only got a little bit of pressure back.

Gears will engage with engine off, but not whilst on.

Could the system need a bleed? Or is this likely a clutch cylinder issue?

[vxr2010]

try a bleed first , do you have a remote bleed line , if no you can do a part job via the reservoir, or a possible full job from under neath , i’m hoping it’s just from sitting still if not , i’m assuming a slave issue ?! , has clutch fluid level gone down and any fluid on the floor ?

[vxkev]

look in clutch reservoir to see if fluid is still there if not then more than likely its the slave cylinder mine did this and there was not fluid on floor do you know if it has had a clutch and how many miles if it is then its time to upgrade to the LS7 clutch and remote bleed extension

[RipGMH]

Thanks guys, no remote bleed extension and no idea about if clutch has been changed.

Will have to tackle it tomorrow and try a reservoir bleed,

This technique looks ok
https://youtu.be/AMdxrcAtD-k

[stevieturbo]

Has it lost any fluid ?

There's no reason this should happen sitting about, unless say it's developed a leak or something

[RipGMH]

stevieturbo said:

Has it lost any fluid ?

There's no reason this should happen sitting about, unless say it's developed a leak or something

No visible leak under the car. Thought it odd myself

[vxkev]

RipGMH said:

No visible leak under the car. Thought it odd myself

Mine didn't either

[stevieturbo]

RipGMH said:

No visible leak under the car. Thought it odd myself

That is one aspect of a leak...but not what I asked. Has it lost any fluid ? Simple check of the reservoir should show this, as often a leak at the slave, the fluid simply gets trapped in the bellhousing and could take a very long time to become visible.

[Drihump Trolomite]

If it's hot fluid just bleed from the reservoir

Try pumping it first with the cap off (carefully)

[RipGMH]

Drihump Trolomite said:

If it's hot fluid just bleed from the reservoir

Try pumping it first with the cap off (carefully)

While the car is running?

I did have to top up the reservoir and tried pumping it cold with cap off, engine off.
Fitted the cap, started the car and tried again after 5-10min running with car running.
No change to fluid level.

Have not tried bleeding as I need to get a hose and try the syringe method

[mfp4073]

RipGMH said:

While the car is running?

I did have to top up the reservoir and tried pumping it cold with cap off, engine off.
Fitted the cap, started the car and tried again after 5-10min running with car running.
No change to fluid level.

Have not tried bleeding as I need to get a hose and try the syringe method

If the fluid is a very dark or even black in colour use a syringe to draw the fluid out of the reservoir then refill. Pump the clutch pedal say 30 times then do the same again. You might have to repeat this method several times until you get clean fluid throughout the system.
If you can drain the fluid out from the slave cylinder it will speed up the process. Either way keep changing the fluid everytime it starts to turn dark in colour and you should be fine.
If it turns out you have a problem with the slave cylinder or even the clutch itself then you have no choice other than to replace them.
Don't forget if you do replace anything fit a quick bleed line, it turns a PITA job into an easy 2 minute one.
Reading your post it does sound like you have a leak, you really shouldn't have to keep topping up the fluid level, and having to run the engine to change the fluid isn't necessary.

John
3 edits for this one !!!!!

Edited by mfp4073 on Saturday 7th December 16:36

Edited by mfp4073 on Saturday 7th December 16:39

Edited by mfp4073 on Saturday 7th December 16:43

[Drihump Trolomite]

What he said, not as good as a remote bleed but very effective if a pain in the arse.

[RipGMH]

Thanks gents, will try tomorrow to draw out the air with a syringe.

Fluid is clear, but would be better to check when I can get pressure in the line.

First time I’ve had to add fluid so I’ll have to keep and eye on it.

[Drihump Trolomite]

If it's clear, just pump about 30 seconds with cap off.

[RipGMH]

So FIXED relieved!


used the syringe to pull air out the systems, had to keep topping up obviously whilst I pulled fluid out. Had a bit of air pulled through.

Then pumped the clutch 30 odd times.

Stared, pumped the clutch a few more time and noticed some pressure and bingo engaged.
Got 1st and R up and down the driveway. Car is SORNd so no road test. But will check again during the week.


Thanks for advice legends, last thing I needed after a fair bit of personal turmoil at the moment.

[Drihump Trolomite]

Good luck with the personal turmoil

[mfp4073]

Drihump Trolomite said:

Good luck with the personal turmoil

As said above.

Glad your car is now fixed, when it's back on the road change the fluid regularly and it will be fine.

John

[bigwheel]

Excellent! An easy fix.
I didn't want to get involved with maybe's and possibles without any first hand experiences.
I'll message you in a couple of days

[RipGMH]

Thanks gents. Dealing with loss of my mum back home, so plenty on my mind and to arrange.

Ron - look forward to catching up. We are free both days,

Edit: should add the thought of replacing the clutch or master cylinder was doing my head in as I’m not set up for a home repair and have no idea who a decent local mechanic would be.

Edited by RipGMH on Sunday 8th December 20:46

[Drihump Trolomite]

Your system is likely to be fine, just more than likely crap fluid with moisture in it. The remote bleed isn't necessary but helps if you do a lot of strip time otherwise the suck and pump methods adequate