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clutch hydraulics Posted by CMyles [Email] (#1126) [Profile/Gallery] (more from CMyles) on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:32:53 In Reply to: further on thet dogbone..., jtm, Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:22:23 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Amelia,
It sounds as if bleeding the clutch hydraulics really improved the situation for you. When people post on this board that they are having shifting problems we (some of us...me) tend to jump right into shift linkage type concerns. That's because we tend to assume that the poster has already determined that it's not a clutch deficiency. Of course if you have a clutch problem you will (generally) also have a shifting problem so in retrospect your shifting problem may have been largely (or entirely) due to clutch hydraulic deficiency (Doh!). Now the reason I'm posting this is to advise you that while bleeding the hydraulics has made the situation better you should be anticipating a recurrence. If you find the problem to be returning do this: First, cram the clutch pedal all the way to the floor hard and see if that helps shifting, if not then pump the clutch pedal several times and then try shifting. If that allows for easier engagement then you definitely have a clutch hydraulic defect. On old C900s this is often exacerbated by frigid weather. The list of system defects that can cause poor clutch operation includes; worn MC (master cylinder) seals, broken MC spring, leaking hose between MC and reservoir, leaking hose/pipe between MC and slave cylinder and defective/leaking slave cylinder. External leaks are of course, visually evident. Internal defects of the MC are not visible but just as common on these old timers. So anyway, be on the lookout for the level of brake fluid in the reservoir to be getting lower and maybe inspect the system for obvious leaks, especially the hoses. Anytime you can improve clutch function by pumping the pedal that generally points to a defective MC. On the bright side, replacing any part of the clutch hydraulic system, except the slave cylinder, is quite easy and a good DIY candidate which require only a few basic tools. Replacing the slave means pulling the clutch and that is usually a bit much for novices. Bleeding the system effectively causes a lot of consternation but is really easy and quick once you get the hang of it. I usually do it with nothing but a 24" piece of 1/4" vinyl hose, a 13 mm wrench, pint of brake fluid and 2 lungs. Cheers
posted by 198.233....
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