Clutch problem?

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Dec 25, 2009 | 01:23 PM

Johann 86

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Cruising

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Clutch problem?

I have a 1986 Corvette with the 4 plus 3 transmission. Over the past week I have noticed it not shifting as smoothly. I checked the clutch reservoir and found it needing fluid. I filled it with DOT 3 but that did not help. This morning I could not get it into reverse without first having to shut off the engine. Is there an adjustment somewhere I can play with or is my shifting problem more serious than a simple adjustment?

Dec 25, 2009 | 02:02 PM

383vett

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From: moraga ca

If your fluid level was very low in the reservoir, you probably sucked air into the hydraulic system. You will need to bleed the clutch system to get the air out so the slave cylinder will funtion properly.

Dec 25, 2009 | 02:07 PM

jhammons01

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From: Irvine Ca

More Serious.

What is occuring could be two things.

First your Hydraulics for the clutch could be failing.

Second, your clutch could be going out itself...but without slipping, let's set that one aside for now.

A tell tale sign that your Clutch Master Cylinder (MC from here on out ....not to be confused with "BRAKE Master cylinder for this discussion) Your MC could be going out.....and many times it leaks down into the passenger compartment.

Unless you contort your way up under the dash, you'll not be able to see it. You have to get your head up under there where your heals usually go. Once under there, you need to locate the push rod that goes from the clutch pedal to the MC. If you get there....you'll most likely see where your fluid ran off to.

Simple fix....swap the MC...takes a few hours

If your Clutch SLAVE cylinder is going out.......Still a simple fix you just have to be under the car and worry about bleeding that thing....more later....

Just try the most typical...the MC. If that don't fix it....move to the Slave....

Dec 25, 2009 | 02:09 PM

jhammons01

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From: Irvine Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by 383vett

Kinda, look at it 383....it is self bleeding actually....very nice feature. I ran mine dry three times when it was failing.

refill and Pump it a few times. If you get it warm it does better as well.

Dec 25, 2009 | 02:30 PM

383vett

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From: moraga ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhammons01

Kinda, look at it 383....it is self bleeding actually....very nice feature. I ran mine dry three times when it was failing.

refill and Pump it a few times. If you get it warm it does better as well.

Thanks for the correction. I removed my master cylinder years ago when I installed an auto. Merry Christmas.

Dec 25, 2009 | 03:45 PM

jhammons01

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From: Irvine Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johann 86

Thank you to the guys who suggested I bleed my clutch's master cylinder. Now my next question is...How do I do that? Is it like bleeding the brakes wheel cylinders or completely different? Is there a bleed valve on the clutch MC under the hood or is the valve under the car?

There is a valve on your Slave...but....your MC is a self bleeding system, only if air is in the Slave would you need to bleed it.

There is no way to pump air all the way down to the slave....you'll have to bleed the slave if you have to take the lines off down there.

Many suggest that you replace the MC and Slave at the same time.

But I'd like to isolate the issue first.

Did you inspect the push rod where it connects to the clutch pedal.