RE: '78 Spider Clutch problem, m/c & s/c...

[JeffreyOlson@domain.elided]

I used a Motive Products Power Bleeder several times and 
even pumped the clutch pedal with fluid moving through 
the system (at 10 psi!) to expel any air.  

Each time the results were similar.  I then tried the 
old-fashioned method and it was slightly worse, 
obviously because there was still air somewhere!

Hard to believe the clutch is bad because it shifts 
well, no unusual noises, and it does not slip.

I may try a clutch master cylinder (looks original!) but 
the pressure at the clutch pedal is firm all the way to 
the floor and there are no leaks anywhere.

What gives?  The clutch release arm and motion also 
looks good though at full release (clutch pedal 
pushed 'in'), the release arm is nearly against the rear 
of the opening in the transmission housing.

Interestingly, when I removed the old slave cylinder, 
the ball end of the pushrod was seated against the 
release arm.  The replacement I got from IAP had the 
ball end against the piston inside the rubber boot of 
the slave cylinder.  Was it installed backwards?  I had 
to switch the pushrod around to make it work.  Otherwise 
the other end of the pushrod would not seat against the 
release lever.

I recently replaced the gearbox oil with Redline MTL 
though I doubt the problem is related.

I have to push the clutch pedal ALL the way to the floor 
and wait about 5-10 seconds before EASING the shift 
lever into first or reverse, still with a brief grind.  
Need to get this fixed before it does any damage!

Thanks!

> Either the master cylinder is not doing its job, or you still have air in
> the system.
> 
> Try bleeding it again and when you open the bleeder screw (while someone
> else is holding the pedal down), push the piston in all the way, then close
> the bleeder screw while the piston is held in. This will expel any trapped
> air in the slave cylinder. Repeat this two or three times, and then bleed a
> few more times in the conventional manner.
> 
> If after this the problem is still present, replace the master cylinder.
> But, if you are getting a pretty good squirt of fluid out of the bleeder the
> screw then (most likely) the problem is not the master cylinder.
> 
> FWIW, this problem is not symptomatic of a bad clutch.
> 
> Jeff Greenfield
> JG Enterprises
> Specializing in the preservation, maintenance and repair of Alfa Romeo,
> BMW, and Ferrari
> www.samnet.net/alfaguy
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From:	owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of
> JeffreyOlson@domain.elided
> Sent:	Sunday, March 10, 2002 11:18 AM
> To:	alfa@domain.elided
> Subject:	'78 Spider Clutch problem, m/c & s/c...
> 
> Clutch has been increasingly difficult to disengage
> completely, i.e. shifting into reverse or first gear
> from a standstill.
> 
> The slave cylinder was leaking a bit so I replaced it
> with the hose and YES, I did bleed it thoroughly with
> the bleed screw at the top.
> 
> The problem did not go away as I hoped.  Clutch does not
> slip at all but engages very close to the floor.  Still
> tricky to get into first or reverse without a grind.
> 
> Should I try replacing the master cylinder first(no
> leaks!) or just plan on a new clutch?
> 
> I have no idea how old the clutch is.  This difficulty
> has gradually increased over the last week.  Prior to
> that it worked great which is why I replaced the nasty
> old slave cylinder!
> 
> Found a clutch kit from Linea Rossa for $129!
> 
> Thanks!
> 
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