Clutch Problems...

[malexalex]

So I went to take my spitfire out today and... no clutch! The pedal depresses fully, but the clutch never engages, so it's impossible to take the car out of neutral. I checked the fluid in the reservoir, the one connected to the rubber boot on the far left just under the hood, and it was almost down to the bottom. I don't really know what that means so my questions are: is the low fluid level responsible for the problem, if so, what sort of fluid should it be filled with, also, what could cause the level to drop, ie. likely leak locations? Any help in this matter would be appreciated, I want to get out driving again before the rains come!
-Alex

 

[NutmegCT]

Alex - step #1 - look under the car and find the source of the leak (it's probably just above a puddle of hydraulic fluid).

Step #2 will soon follow ...

Tom

 

[Brosky]

Refill it with brake fluid and open the bleeder on the slave cylinder. Make sure that you cap it off before bleeding. You can allow it to gravity bleed (cap off) or have a helper push the pedal slowly to the floor (cap on) and hold it there until you close the bleeder. Top it off, reinstall the cap and you should be good to go, or you'll find your leak at that time.

 

[Andrew Mace]

For quick diagnosis, fill the reservoir as Paul suggested, but then just pump briskly. Odds are you'll be able to bring up pedal pressure, at least short term. At worst, if you get fluid streaming out somewhere, you'll know you've a BIG leak. At best, you'll likely be able to drive the car for awhile -- montoring the fluid level closely -- until you can order rebuild kit(s) or new cylinder(s) as needed.

I nursed my Herald along for several years this way. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[malexalex]

Thanks, I should be back on the road (if only temporarily) very soon, much obliged!
-Alex