Problems with new clutch slave cylinder

[kidrock]

I just replaced the clutch slave cylinder (G50). With the wife pumping the clutch pedal, bleeding seemed to be normal for the first several minutes, with the normal amount of fluid and air coursing their way through the bleeder screw.

Then, my wife stated that all the tension in the pedal disappeared...and I was no longer able to get any more fluid while bleeding. Pedal returns to top, but pressure is non-existent.

I've been attempting to use a hand vacuum bleeder, but am still unable to get any fluid to flow. Fluid in master cylinder reservoir does not drop.

I've pulled the bleeder screw to check for obstructions, but found none. Pulling the screw resulted in fluid dripping out of the slave cylinder.

I've double-checked that the slave cylinder piston is engaging with the release bearing lever. I've checked that the master clutch cylinder near the pedal cluster has not blown out, and is not leaking.

Suggestions are appreciated.

[Roswell]

What a nasty job. Remove the line coming from the master and have your wife pump the pedal - see if fluid come out of the line. yes - you have an obstruction in the slave. no - you have an obstruction in the line or in the master.

[Flat6pac]

You need to top off the master cylinder resevoir. The clutch works on the top 1/3 of the resevoir so the brakes dont run out of fluid.
Bruce

[ganun]

Get a hand pump bleeder, I used one from NAPA that was not cheap, don't recall how much, but its all metal and come in a briefcase.
Bled the clutch in no time and flush thru a can of brake fluid thru the brakes as well.
Like NAPA p/n BK 7001762, but I think mine was Mighty Vac

[kidrock]

Originally Posted by Flat6pac

You need to top off the master cylinder resevoir. The clutch works on the top 1/3 of the resevoir so the brakes dont run out of fluid.
Bruce

Reservoir is topped off.

Originally Posted by ganun

Get a hand pump bleeder, I used one from NAPA that was not cheap, don't recall how much, but its all metal and come in a briefcase.
Bled the clutch in no time and flush thru a can of brake fluid thru the brakes as well.
Like NAPA p/n BK 7001762, but I think mine was Mighty Vac

I'm using a hand pump bleeder...still getting no love.

Originally Posted by Roswell

What a nasty job. Remove the line coming from the master and have your wife pump the pedal - see if fluid come out of the line. yes - you have an obstruction in the slave. no - you have an obstruction in the line or in the master.

Yes, a very nasty job. I'm thoroughly pissed and need to take a break. I've been mulling about checking the master, but man...I know it's gonna make a huge mess on the floorboard, no matter what precautions I take.

Is there any chance that the master took a crap while pumping, even though there's no sign of leakage?

I've never done this before, so forgive me for the stupid questions.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by kidrock

Is there any chance that the master took a crap while pumping, even though there's no sign of leakage?

Maybe you went a little too low with the fluid, according to Bruce's post, and you sucked air into the clutch master. You topped it off as you worked and all looks good but maybe air is trapped inside?

Alternatively, I guess a master seal could have blown, but i kind of doubt it.

That said, I have bled a 67 Datsun 2000. That is my life history on hydraulic clutches. It did have a separate bleeder on the master.

Edit: since nothing comes through, the obstruction comment makes some sense as well. Seems that you would get pedal pressure though.

You know it's something real basic as the system is simple. Even if air were in the system you should be able to suck fluid down.

[Roswell]

Originally Posted by kidrock

I've never done this before, so forgive me for the stupid questions.

No such thing as a stupid question.

I would say screw it and go ahead and replace the Master. If I were a betting man i would wager that is your problem.

The Motive power bleeder our host sells is a great tool. Best way to bleed a system I have seen.

Good Luck!!!

[Roswell]

Also, the brake fluid leaking from the slave tends to eat the coupler bushings. Just a heads up.

[Flat6pac]

Let it set for the night and see if an air bubble works it's way out.
Bruce

[RSTarga]

vacuum bleeders are crap, geta Motive.
Did you pre bleed the master?

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by RSTarga

vacuum bleeders are crap

In completer agreement with that . . . I have a pneumatic vacuum bleeder and even that does a poor job a drawing the air out - pressurizing the res is definitely the way to go (I use an air compressor and a hose barb on a spare cap for that).