86 clutch issues
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 26
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86 clutch issues
I took my 86 to the Woodward Dream cruise on Saturday (I was assume and Corvettes were well represented). Drove 10 miles from home to cruise and about 5 miles in stop and go traffic. When I went to park the car the gears started grinding in reverse and the clutch pedal was weak. When I drove home it was difficult to get shifter into gears. Any thoughts on what is causing this issue?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by Sharrell; Aug 20, 2012 at 09:15 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 8
From: Westerly RI
The system consists of a master cyl, slave cyl, and the connecting line. The cyls are the usual source of leaks. A master cyl leak may be hard to spot, sometimes leaks behind the carpet. If the fluid is low, I would fix the leak soonest because your trans will suffer if the clutch is not releasing completely.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
It's also possible that the hydraulic line from the master to the slave cylinder is shot. The rubber portion could have failed on the inside which would effectively reduce the amount (and pressure) of fluid going to the slave. That would keep the slave cylinder from allowing the throwout bearing from fulling releasing the clutch.
How many miles are on the car and is the clutch assembly original?
How many miles are on the car and is the clutch assembly original?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 8
From: Westerly RI
Other than gross abuse, that clutch should have plenty of life left. In any case, a leak should not be hard to spot from underneath unless the master is leaking under the dash. Check the fluid level first, if it's low, the system is leaking.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: moraga ca
A worn clutch usually will slip. Your problem is that the clutch us not releasing. That would be almost always the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder issue. Possibly your fluid is low as previously mentioned.