I've owned my '86 2+2 for 5 days and it's been fine ('til now). Went to drive it this morning and it didn't want to go into gear. It goes into gear fine with the car not running and you can start the car without getting a lurch, but then it's hard to pull it out of gear. The clutch pedal seems low. I'm thinking slave cylinder. Am I on the right track? Should I rebuild it or am I better off replacing? I didn't see any fluid on the ground but it was still dark out.

 

Have you checked to see if the fluid is low in the reservoir? Also check the inside firewall where the clutch pedal plunger goes through to the master. The seal can leak, and drip fluid down the inside of the firewall (thus never hitting the ground).

If you have found a leak, diagnose the leaky seal, replace, & re-bleed the system.

If you cannot find any leaks, just try bleeding the system.

 

I went out to give everything a good look-see and pressed the clutch and it stayed on the floor. Pulled it back up with my hand and it came up and stayed. Checked the master and slave and both are dry as a bone. Master is full to the top and I couldn't find any evidence of a leak anywhere. I get back in and try the clutch again and it's back to normal. Started it up and everything seems fine. I have a feeling this problem will return at an inopportune time, so I ordered a master and slave.

 

uh hum...

Before blowing a wad of $$$, you could have tried bleeding the system. Just sayin....

 

Yeah, probably jumped the gun a little, but both parts are obviously original and don't look too good. The boot on the slave is all torn up.

 

Also, what color is the fluid? old worn out fluid could also cause that.

 

The fluid looks like mud. It's probably never been changed and full of moisture.

 

I would start there then, unless you have already ordered a new master and slave.

 

The new master and slave showed up on my doorstep yesterday afternoon. For $55 bucks, I don't think I can go wrong by swapping them and getting new fluid in there. Is there a procedure or measurement for adjusting the clevice on the master cylinder? I didn't see anything in the manual. I suppose I can just match it to the original.

 

get rid of the damper while you are at it. Replace with front brake hose off an s130. give it a little free play on the pedal and everything will be fine. when bleed th system easier with a buddy to close the bleeder but regardless. moving the pedal up and down rapidly with your hand works best. don't let the reservoir run dry.

 

Got the master and slave changed out over the weekend. Everything seems fine. Thanks for the help.