Interesting Clutch Problem

[RanciD]

This didn't start happening to a little after I adjusted my clutch so I figure that might have caused it because I didn't bleed or anything afterwards (I just searched on here for how to do it and it didn't mention anything about that). I loosened the lock nut and set the engagement point closer to the floor so it catches sooner while letting it out. This is the way I want it. It was fine for a little while after this and then I started getting this strange problem..

When I first get in the car after it's been in the garage all night the clutch catches pretty close to the floor like I want it. As I drive and keep pushing in the clutch to shift the engagement point slowly works its way out until eventually it doesn't catch until the pedal is pretty much all the way out. My worry is that if I drive it like this after a while the clutch won't even fully engage and just start slipping. If I leave the car for more than a few minutes and come back the clutch will again catch close to the floor and the process repeats itself. To me this sounds like it could be some type of problem with the damper or a combination of fluid and the damper?

I can get the car on a lift pretty much whenever so before I do that I figured I'd ask the professionals here for some advice as to what I should be checking for or doing. Thanks for any help!

[RanciD]

Anyone know?

[pete north]

I had a similar problem with my '97.

After being stored all winter, I went to take it out this spring... When I got in it, the clutch went almost straight to the floor without any resistance. There was really only pressure in the last 10mm or so of travel, and when letting the clutch out, it was pretty much instant-engagement once it was 10mm off the floor.

At first I thought I may have lost fluid over the winter, but the master cylinder was full upon inspection. I figured I'd probably have to replace the slave cylinder, but once I started driving the car, and used the clutch 10 or 20 times, the system seemed to re-prime itself and it hasn't done it again since.

I still dont know what caused the problem with my car, but it sounds like the problems may be related somehow.

[INeedNewTires]

depending on how many miles and the abuse that car has taken its probably a good idea to change slave and master cylinder anyway their so cheap why not upgrade to DOT 4 fluid and eliminate the clutch dampner. spend $50 bucks and re work your whole clutch system. Thats what i just did and its SOOOOO much better.

What i bought:
Clutch Slave cylinder from Oreiliys, brand new, lifetime warranty stock replacement $14.00
Clutch Master Cylinder from Oreillys, brand new, lifetime warranty stock replacement $17.50
DOT 4 superduty brake fluid $10
Stainless steel braided line only $30 shipped you can find it at alot of online stores

Anyway when i removed the slave and master cylinders i sprayed brake cleaner in the clutch hard line then blew compressed air through it to clean it out, hooked up the new cylinders and eliminated the dampener with the stainless line (many writeups on this too its very easy do a search)

Bled the system and it works GREAT now. Alot stronger engagement and no loss in pressure anymore with heat (which was my problem, as heat rose pressure fell)

All in all it was a great 50 bucks or so spent on my car and im very happy. Dont forget to adjust the pedal travel on the M/C, its kindof a bitch but well worth it in the end.

-Fielding

[RanciD]

Alright I'm going to try all that, hopefully the problem is just with the hydraulic system.