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I just recently got an '85 so I'm pretty new to these cars. I replaced the master and slave cylinder and after bleeding the system (mutiple times), the clutch pedal has firmness to it, but I am only able to get the car in gear or shift after pumping the pedal a few times. I've tried re-bleeding the system with the same result. I haven't noticed any leaks anywhere, is it possible air is getting in somehow, or is there something I am doing wrong?
The master/ slave combo can be tricky. It would appear you have a air pocket. Get out that handy catch bucket.
The Reservoir seals good shape. Fully seated?
I have always. Filled as much fluid into my Master, Slave. Cylinders.. Off topic. Even my brake calipers.
Gravity bleed your line/s till only fluid. Connect, pump pedal and re-fill. Very important. Do not let the Reservoir drop below 1/4 keeping the level above 1/2 safest.
Did you try a final bleed at the slave. No air pockets?
I did my own clutch bleeding like this:
-turn the slave cylinder the other way so that the air can escape better
-slowly push the slave cylinder against, for example, the clutch housing
-remember to check reservoir
This is how I did the bleeding myself and the clutch worked immediately the first time
Try this: Push the pedal down a dozen times, then hold it down for 10 seconds. Slide your foot sideways off the pedal, allowing it to pop up. Do this a bunch of times and take it for a drive. While sitting at a red light, do it some more. You'll feel a difference.
If memory serves me correctly (its been a while since I replaced the slave cylinder in my 85): the slave cylinder needs to be removed from the transmission to properly bleed it. Unbolt it and keep the bleeder end higher than the rest of the cylinder while bleeding it.
1985 Clutch Bleeding
