Clutch hydraulics problem <E36>

["Brian Fitzpatrick" <bfitz1@xxxxxxxx>]

I'm having an intermittent hydraulic problem with the clutch in my '94
325is.  It was most repeatable on a hot (low-90's) day recently, but
it has happened other times.

On that hot day, if I held the clutch pedal down for an extended
period (i.e., waiting to turn left at an intersection), the hydraulic
pressure would bleed down, and the engagement point would be right off
the floor.  Sometimes, the clutch pedal would not return, but after
pulling it up, it was back to normal.

Other than that day, the problem seems to happen more often when
shifting while turning.  These times, the clutch engagement point
drops to very near the floor, and sometimes it does not return.

All other times, the pedal feels great, and engagement is at a normal
height.

Any ideas???

Also, I have another (probably) unrelated problem:  a dull whirring
noise has developed recently in the engine compartment.  The whirring
is relative to engine speed and becomes audible above 3500 rpm.  It
happens when the car is moving or stopped, clutch in or out, engine
accelerating or decelerating.  I haven't noticed any change in
performance.  Any ideas?

Thanks,
Brian Fitzpatrick
'94 325is

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