I have a 1983 Datsun 280zx

I've noticed lately that when I shift gears I have to let out on the clutch entirely and then the gear catches, and it feels like it's not entirely in gear.

The car is okay when it drives, but if I accelerate hard it starts to slip.

Now it was working just fine before, is this a gradual degradation or can it suddenly happen?

I did add some DOT3 fluid in the clutch reservoir and the clutch pedal is super stiff, could it be that there is too much clutch fluid and its putting pressure on the clutch plate causing it to disengage earlier? or is it that i need a new clutch entirely?

How can I tell if there is too much clutch fluid can causing pressure? what's the easiest way to bleed it out?

If its not the clutch fluid, how much would a new clutch like this set me back, I drive this car a lot in Los Angeles, I don't have the tools to fix this myself, I'll need a reliable mechanic who won't tear me apart with costs...

 

Could it also be air in the clutch causing this...?

 

Clutch needs adjusted and/or the M/C or S/C is going out.

 

So nobody thinks it could be in need of a clutch bleeding?

just a master cylinder or slave cylinder issue...?

 

no such thing as too much fluid. Closed system. you either need a new clutch or new hydraulics. Your descriptioin of the problem leaves a lot to the imagination. Cheapest easiest thing to do is:
1. bleed the slave cylinder to be sure no air. If you had to add fluid then this could easily be the case
2. Replace the slave and master cylinder. around $70. four bolts. two hydraulic line fittings and done.
3. Replace clutch. Ask around for a quote on replacement. I do my own so no idea what a shop would charge.

download the fsm from xenon s130 and read up on the system.

 

Is the clutch worn out? If it's sliping under acceleration that makes me think the clutch is worn out since it's already engaged. If it wasn't working before you got it you can get different throw out bearings collars and clutch forks that can change how much throw you have and weather it will engage or not so someone with a bag of parts could put it together wrong. Not likely your situation since it was working before...

 

Well the car was working just fine. Although since I've owned it I have had to put clutchfluid it in it from time to time, I have never bled it. I;ve owned it for about a month and a half.

Then one day I noticed when I put my foot down on the clutch, the clutch disengaged almost as soon as I put my foot SLIGHTLY down on the clutc, whereas before Id would have to depress on the clutch about half way down until it would completely disengage.

Since then if I put any acceleration on it, it slips, which makes me think the clutch isn't fully engaged, like its still pushing down slightly keeping the clutch from locking into the gear. I dunno, I could be wrong....

What do you guys think? Just trying to get a concensus here as to what it might be. I do use this car as a daily drive..

 

Well "from time to time" over a month and a half is too much. Check your system for where it is leaking.