Discolored Clutch Fluid
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles CA
Discolored Clutch Fluid
Ever wonder what that black crud is in your clutch fluid? Here's what GM has just come out with:
"The fluid in the hydraulic clutch system of 1997-2002 Chevrolet Corvettes may appear discolored. This discoloration is the result of carbon black used in the seal manufacturing process leaching out into the hydraulic fluid used in the clutch system. The discoloration may also collect on the inside of the clutch reservoir at the top of the fluid. This discoloration does not affect the operation of the clutch system and should not be considered a reason to flush the clutch hydraulic system."
Don't know about you, but I sure feel better :eek:
[Modified by allanlaw, 10:17 AM 8/12/2002]
"The fluid in the hydraulic clutch system of 1997-2002 Chevrolet Corvettes may appear discolored. This discoloration is the result of carbon black used in the seal manufacturing process leaching out into the hydraulic fluid used in the clutch system. The discoloration may also collect on the inside of the clutch reservoir at the top of the fluid. This discoloration does not affect the operation of the clutch system and should not be considered a reason to flush the clutch hydraulic system."
Don't know about you, but I sure feel better :eek:
[Modified by allanlaw, 10:17 AM 8/12/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,360
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From: DFW TX
Senior Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
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Re: Discolored Clutch Fluid (allanlaw)
Well I guess that's good to know, I have flushed that stuff I don't know how many times. :crazy: :crazy:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,803
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From: Panama City Beach FL
Re: Discolored Clutch Fluid (MDL-01C5)
And all this time I thought the fluid was cooked slowly to get all that crud in it. Anyways, I've flushed and replaced with a synthetic fluid...no more crud.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
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St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Re: Discolored Clutch Fluid (luvinc5)
Did the same - still lots of crap.
And all this time I thought the fluid was cooked slowly to get all that crud in it. Anyways, I've flushed and replaced with a synthetic fluid...no more crud.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,248
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Re: Discolored Clutch Fluid (PeterK)
Thanks for the scoop, but also consider the source, bias and motivation.
The last thing GM wants is EVERY 6 Spd coming in for clutch fluid flushing.
My mechanic thinks most likely GM is pulling a :bs move on this one to cover their Azz.
[Modified by MelloYellow, 8:37 PM 8/13/2002]
The last thing GM wants is EVERY 6 Spd coming in for clutch fluid flushing.
My mechanic thinks most likely GM is pulling a :bs move on this one to cover their Azz.
[Modified by MelloYellow, 8:37 PM 8/13/2002]
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Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Discolored Clutch Fluid (MelloYellow)
Thanks for the scoop, but also consider the source, bias and motivation.
The last thing GM wants is EVERY 6 Spd coming in for clutch fluid flushing.
My mechanic thinks most likely GM is pulling a :bs move on this one to cover their Azz.
GM doesnt care...They dont warranty flushing of fluids...
[Modified by MelloYellow, 8:37 PM 8/13/2002]
The last thing GM wants is EVERY 6 Spd coming in for clutch fluid flushing.
My mechanic thinks most likely GM is pulling a :bs move on this one to cover their Azz.
GM doesnt care...They dont warranty flushing of fluids...
[Modified by MelloYellow, 8:37 PM 8/13/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,248
Likes: 0
Re: Discolored Clutch Fluid (C-5 TECH)
Whatcha think the cause is of the whole sticking pedal thing? Just curious. Do you think it's the Slave failing or the Master or the fluid? PP fingers? Replacing the whole assembly every time isn't quite the way I want to go. I've done that 2 or 3 times so far.
This setup with a '02 Z06 Slave, No M/C center restriction, Valvoline SynPower Dot3/4 has worked very well for over a year now. Now she's starting to stick. Happens worse in hot conditions.
The fluid seems to get cooked or go bad over time, eh? The M/C -> Slave line can run very close to the headers, right? Especially people with Long Tube header heat, maybe we are cooking it over time?
Switching to Motul 600 Dot4 & flush and going to wrap my line in Earl's FlameGuard to see if it helps any.
This setup with a '02 Z06 Slave, No M/C center restriction, Valvoline SynPower Dot3/4 has worked very well for over a year now. Now she's starting to stick. Happens worse in hot conditions.
The fluid seems to get cooked or go bad over time, eh? The M/C -> Slave line can run very close to the headers, right? Especially people with Long Tube header heat, maybe we are cooking it over time?
Switching to Motul 600 Dot4 & flush and going to wrap my line in Earl's FlameGuard to see if it helps any.
