After blowing and replacing the clutch master cylinder on my '87 4+3, I've had nothing but trouble trying to bleed the system and get the clutch to work properly. I can only get slight disengagement during the last inch of pedal travel. Both the clutch master and slave cylinder have been replaced twice (parts came from O'Reilly's and Advance). I have tried every bleeding method known to man, most recently back bleeding using a MityVac "Shooter" kit designed for this very purpose. I put probably 50 onces of fluid though it---and nothing! I have also attached a clear hose from the bleeder screw to the master cylinder resovoir and pumped until there were no bubbles. The clutch was still weak-no disingagement until the last inch of travel, not nearly enough. These bleeding methods have been tried with the slave cylinder unbolted from the bellhousing with the bleeder screw end up, as specified in the GM service manual. I have tried it with the slave cylinder cup out and with it pressed in. I have also pulled a vacuum on the system with no results (this worked when I first replaced the clutch master several years ago). Worst of all, dealership technicians and professionally wrench turners who I have spoken with are baffled. There suggestion is to replace both cylinders AGAIN! Help!!! I'm considering submerging the car in a large body of water...

 

I had the same problem with my '85 4+3.

Final solution was that I parked nose up on a significant incline.

I pushed the clutch in SLOWLY a few times, resting for a few seconds each time. Then I tapped the line a few times with my finger and left it be for about a half hour.

Repeat.

After that, I drove it to operating temp a few times and parked in the same uphil position for a couple nites.

I don't know why, but on day 3 everything was perfect.

I never loosened the bleed screw after replacing the slave.

I am no mechanic, so I musta got lucky?

 

Thanks. I'll sure try that.

 

bandman,

Do a search on =Jeff= as contributor. He went through something similar. Check out the slave cylinder. It may have the seal installed backwards. Also got to zfdoc.com.

 

Dominic,

Thanks for the tip. As it turns out, the seals on both slave cylinders I have are installed correctly. So, back to square one.

I did notice that after removing the rod from the clutch master, I found metal shavings around the cylinder cup. Could I have a bad clutch master? It is building some pressure.

 

I feel your pain!!!I replaced my master/slave and hose for the second time in a year in Aug.It worked for three weeks.I had to rebleed.Worked better for a week then it started to fail.When I back bled I noticed the fluid was discoloured.Looks like the rubber is breaking down.My local supplier is going to start by giving me a new slave and if that does not fix it another master.These are new wagner parts.I have used three new of everything in the last two years!!!