C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Can't Shift

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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 11:04 PM
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From: Wildwood NJ
Default Can't Shift

I have replaced the clutch assembly on my '87. The master cylinder was seized up. I replaced that also. I bled the clutch assembly after replacing the fluid. Now I cannot disengage the clutch, it will not shift. I only have 5/16" (.25") travel on the clutch fork push rod. The book says there should be .7" travel in the push rod. Everything else seems good. Any suggestions?
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Old Nov 15, 2010 | 08:56 AM
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When you push the clutch pedal, does it go all the way down, or does it get "stuck" part way down? If it sticks, you might have the wrong parts installed or the clutch plate might be backwards.

If the pedal goes down all the way, it could be an internally leaking slave cyl.
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Old Nov 15, 2010 | 11:11 AM
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Sounds like you haven't gotten all the air out of the system. Generally when you replace the master, you want to replace the slave also.
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Old Nov 15, 2010 | 11:46 AM
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Make sure the fork is seated properly on the throwout bearing and on the ball.
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Old Nov 15, 2010 | 12:02 PM
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Possibly the disc is installed backwards, spring absorber should be towards the pressure plate.
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Old Nov 15, 2010 | 02:16 PM
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time to bleed again. If this does not cure the problem, your slave cylinder is corroded or has another problem.
Usually you can disassemble, and replace the cup and boot on this with minimal honing.
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Old Nov 15, 2010 | 11:21 PM
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I have bled the system a few times. Still the pedal goes straight to floor with little to no resistance. The fork is on the pivot and I am fairly sure the clutch plate is on correct. The only thing left is replace the slave cylinder. I don't think the line is clogged, there wouldn't be any fluid.
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Old Nov 16, 2010 | 10:50 AM
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The only time I have run into this was with a clutch replacement on a turbo mr2, I wound up replacing the master cylinder.Just a thought.
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Old Nov 16, 2010 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by JEck2
I have bled the system a few times. Still the pedal goes straight to floor with little to no resistance. The fork is on the pivot and I am fairly sure the clutch plate is on correct. The only thing left is replace the slave cylinder. I don't think the line is clogged, there wouldn't be any fluid.
So, you have a new master, you have bled the system thoroughly, you are confident the clutch is assembled correctly, but you are not getting a full stroke from the slave.

Looks like you will be replacing the slave. When you do, avoid the mandrel-drawn steel cyls and use an aftermarket cast cyl. There are well documented build problems with the factory cyls.
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