Hey guys!

So yesterday I was checking the clutch fluid in my car and generally making sure everything was ok under the hood when I saw something sticking out of my alternator. I turned off the car (had it on to hear the idle for a bit) and took a closer look and it was a cigarette butt!

I pulled it out (took a bit of effort) and tossed it. When I started to drive I realized my clutch was noticeably smoother. This seems very strange to me because I can't comprehend what that would have had to do with my clutch. So I guess my question would be the title of the thread lol.

Another question I had is about the reservoir next to my clutch fluid (closer to the fender). I'm thinking this is the master fluid? If it is should this be changed using the Ranger method as well?

Info about the car: 2002 C5Z06, bought with 13.4k miles now has about 16.4k. Have done one oil change and a clutch fluid change (time to do another one it looked like). Only power mod is a cold air intake.

Thanks for any help guys!

 

Other then the butt of a really bad joke, the alternator has nothing to do with the smooth operation of the clutch. It is completely mechanical. The alternator is part of the electrical system. This is of course you are referring to a Corvette, and not something like a newer BMW with the electronic double clutch system.

In regards the question about the reservoir. There are two back against the firewall. The larger one closer to the center of the car is the Brake Master cylinder reservoir. The smaller one closer to the fender or outside of the car is the reservoir for the Clutch master cylinder. There is a large tank that is against the fender farther forward over the wheel area and this the the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Again, this is assuming you are referring to a C5 Corvette.

 

This is the reservoir I'm talking about. The car is a C5 Z06 (now highlighted in the OP). So should I replace the fluid within this reservoir?

Thanks for confirming my thoughts about the alternator.

 

The pic is of a C6, but I'm sure you know that because it is labeled in the bottom right corner of the photo. But in a C5 that should be the location of the clutch reservoir. Hydraulic clutch fluid inherently gets dark and dirty. Relatively speaking of course. This happens on motorcycles as well with hydraulic clutches. Based on mileage I wouldn't change it. But based on the age of the car, if it has never been changed it is probably not a bad idea. It is the same fluid as used in the brake system, and has a tendency to absorb moisture out of the air. This moisture under high temps can boil and cause air to develop in the fluid, thus reducing its useful hydraulic properties. If you are not driving you car hard such as at an HPDE or Race, it's probably not 100% necessary to change it. But I seldom let necessity dictate when I perform maintenance. Of course to properly change this fluid it would require you to bleed the clutch which is a pretty involved process. If you do change decide to change it without bleeding the clutch, be sure not to touch the clutch pedal when there is no fluid in the reservoir. Just a note, I have change both my Brake and clutch fluid in their entirety and am running RBF 600 which has a much higher boiling point then standard brake fluid. I believe now there are even higher performing fluids available then when I last changed them. Hope this helps.

 

This is slightly more accurate.

 

Hahah i hadn't noticed actually that it was an LS2, but you're right it is in the same area. In your picture it's labeled "Clutch Fluid"

I have some extra DOT 4 brake fluid that I use for the ranger method, that'll be ok to use right? I was planning to use the gas mixing syringe to extract it.

Thanks for all the information 007Duc I really appreciate it!

 

If I'm not mistaken the fuel rail cover in your pic says LS7, and is Red in color, both of which are consistent with the C6 Z06.

The DOT 4 should be OK in the clutch. It is compatible as well with DOT 3 so no worries about what's currently in there. I have heard that a lot of people here on the forum have had great success with the Ranger method. Glad to be of help. Happy motoring.

Oh, just and F.Y.I.
Absolutely DO NOT MIX DOT 5! It is a completely different chemical composition and does not mix with DOT 3 or 4.

 

wow i'm just not on the ball today at all lol. I see that it's a C6Z now. You'd think i'm completely new to Vettes lol.

Thanks for the info. I definatley will not mix the fluids, I'll just use the DOT 4 I have already. You've gone above and beyond in helping me brother, thank you. I've noticed that on this forum lol.

 

nm.

 

If you want to change your brake fluid an easier way buy 4 speed bleeders. Jack up the car, put jackstands under it and remove the 4 wheels. While they are off you can clean and wax them, which makes it easier to keep them clean. You can also install ceramic brake pads, which make much less brake dust than the originals. Then remove the original bleeders and put in the speed bleeders. Then you can flush the brake system completely with new fluid in about 15 minutes. Then put your sparkling clean wheels back on and you are ready to go.

 

thanks for the tip kmcolcars, I might try that.