Reply to "BLEEDING CLUTCH SYSTEM"

Hi everyone, Thanks for all the input.

This message is to let you know the result of my search for a solution to my clutch problem:

After sitting for five months I went to change the fluid in my clutch system and opened the bleeder valve to get about two teaspoons of fluid. The pedal was then completely dead, no resistance.
Using a vacuum pump I tried to get fluid out, nothing happened, the fluid stayed in the reservoir.

Here is what I found,
There were two blockages, one at the bleeder valve in the slave cylinder and one at the end of the tube where fluid from the reservoir enters the master, apparently from age. J DeRyke says that he has seen this often on brake bleeders.

With the master out of the car I decided to rebuild it but Ben Chu suggested replacing it with a new Wilwood that is a direct replacement part from:

SUMMIT RACING, 1-800-230-3030 / TECH INFO, 330-630-0240.
The fittings are 3/8 X 24 and 7/16 X 20, same as in the car.

>MASTER CYLINDER, PART # 260-6087 / COST $47.94 + $10.00 SHIPPING

The fluid in the reservoir is a gravity feed system so the slightest impediment turns into a blockage as the openings are very small.
This means that you really should bleed your brakes and clutch every couple of years at least.
All you need to do is open the bleeder valve with a piece of plastic tubing attached with the other end in a container and have someone pump the pedal until the fluid in the reservoir is down but still above the fluid pick-up. Fill the reservoir and do that until the fluid runs clear at the bleeder valve. Close it and you are done.

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>UPPER BALL JOINT GREASE, VERY IMPORTANT
Also,
Do not forget to grease the top front ball joints. To do that you have to take the front wheels off, remove the three 10mm bolts from the top A-arm, lift the arm and screw a grease fitting into the small hole on the top of the upper ball joint and grease it.

Herb Grass bought a Mangusta, the steering felt a little hard and he had it for three days when the right front ball joint broke. He had it picked up by a car hauler and since he lived only three blocks away they did not tie it down. On the first corner it slid off of the truck as Herb followed. he was horrified.
So, grease your upper ball joints.
DICK RUZZIN