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Manual Clutch Bleed Down

Discussion in '360/430' started by 208vol, May 21, 2016.

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  1. 208vol

    208vol Rookie

    Mar 3, 2008
    14
    Russellville
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    Jon
    #1 208vol, May 21, 2016
    After sitting in the garage for a few weeks, the clutch pedal on my 99 360 Modena would go freely to the floor with the only resistance coming from the mechanical spring. With the engine running, it was not possible to engage the transmission. I checked on F chat and was planning to check the "block" as well as the clutch master cylinder. I removed the trunk lining to inspect the manual clutch master cylinder. I had my 11 year old son pressing the pedal in and out as I examined the master cylinder to see if I could detect anything. The fluid reservoir was full and nothing looked suspect with the short hose leading to the master cylinder. I was thinking that I would loosen the pressure line to see if the master cylinder was actually pumping. I then examined from inside the car to watch the rod from the clutch pedal engaging the master cylinder while pressing the clutch pedal by hand. I detected that I was beginning to feel a greater resistance towards the end of the stroke. I then sat in the seat and continued to work the clutch pedal in and out and as a result, the resistance point continued to raise. Very much like pumping brakes to bleed them. I then cranked the engine and the clutch is working as it should. Has anyone experienced this problem and know the solution? Much thanks for your time!
     
  2. BladeMD

    BladeMD Formula 3
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 20, 2015
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    Sarasota, FL
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    Hannibal
    #2 BladeMD, May 22, 2016
    I have a 3-pedal as well but only have been driving mine for the past 6weeks. Would love to know how this resolves.

    Do you have a mechanic or dealerships nearby to inspect the car and give advice?
     
  3. Tony H

    Tony H Karting

    Sep 3, 2013
    156
    #3 Tony H, May 22, 2016
  4. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,169
    Clarksville, Tennessee
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    Terry H Phillips
    #4 tazandjan, May 22, 2016
    Bleed your master cylinder and see if that helps.
     
  5. THINKFAST

    THINKFAST Karting

    Jan 13, 2011
    195
    Earth, mostly ...
    #5 THINKFAST, May 22, 2016
    Try looking under the dash,where the clutch master comes in at near the 3 pedals. Look for any wetness there... If wet at all, clutch master has a leak.
     
  6. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
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    Dec 13, 2009
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    Curt
    #6 vrsurgeon, May 22, 2016
    Bleed it at the block in the engine compartment before you change the master cylinder. Any brake fluid in the engine compartment below the block?
     
  7. mwstewart

    mwstewart F1 Rookie

    Feb 5, 2014
    2,781
    #7 mwstewart, May 22, 2016
    Bleed the cylinder first of all, but if they give up the ghost they usually leave a dribble of fluid inside the cabin. If the block is good my money is on the release/throw out bearing seals.
     
  8. DonJuan348

    DonJuan348 F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2008
    4,442
    Taxing Jersey
    #8 DonJuan348, May 22, 2016
    I had this issue recently. Curt instructed me to change bleeder block first as it is cheapest in system. IIRC, it's one 10mm bolt to change it . Then bleed
     
  9. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
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    Curt
    #9 vrsurgeon, May 22, 2016
    Bingo. But before you open the case and basically do a clutch job you want to rule out a bad clutch master cylinder and a crack in the block on the right side of the engine compartment.

    Oh, and a wind or two of teflon tape can be used on the bleed screw to get a more airtight seal. Mine was ALL loose.
     
  10. BrettC

    BrettC Formula 3

    Aug 13, 2012
    2,115
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    #10 BrettC, May 22, 2016
    My slave cylinder in the transaxle was leaking....would go limp pedal until I bled it. If you take the under tray off you can see leakage coming out of the grill below the transaxle...means new clutch time since your going in there anyway. Definitely see if the master or the block is the issue first....HTH
     
  11. 208vol

    208vol Rookie

    Mar 3, 2008
    14
    Russellville
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    Jon
    #11 208vol, May 25, 2016
    Thanks for these tips! Inside the cabin, there was a single drop of fluid on the rubber seal where the rod from the pedal goes through the front firewall. Hopefully I can remove the pan this weekend and check the block. It does seem strange to me that the fluid reservoir is completely full when there should be a leak in the system somewhere. I'll report my findings ASAP!
     

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