Clutch Problem- or lack of fluid?

[addwestern]

Hi All-

Very new to the 928 aspect- I am a 914 guy.

Recently acquired a 1979 928 5 speed. Little rough, but seems to run well- got it for $600.

My specific question is in regard to the clutch- I see that they can get expensive. I have a low pedal, but in my inspection, the master cylinder seemed devoid of fluid. Does this reservoir supply the same fluid? I have since added some, and can get the car to drive and shift, but it is still obviously not right. I can get the pedal to spring back to the proper position by pulling it upward with my foot.

Ok- after the novel- my questions are:

Does the same reservoir supply both?
Is there a hydraulic bleed for the clutch?

Should I be afraid?

Thanks for your time and advance help. Trying to determine whether to keep it or if it'll be a money pit. I've always loved 'em.

Nate

[rhjames]

yes, the brake fluid reservoir is the supply for the clutch hydraulics system.

your symptoms suggest problems with the hydraulics (same problems I had with mine), not the clutch itself.

the bleeder for the system is on the bottom of the clutch slave cylinder--bleed/flush the same way you would bleed/flush the brakes.

there are 4 major components to the system, not counting the steel fluid lines:

the "blue" hose--supplies fluid from the reservoir to the clutch master cylinder

the clutch master cylinder--a real pain in the a** to replace

the clutch rubber hose

the clutch slave cylinder

cost for the above, including a can of blue racing brake fluid: about $500 plus your time and labor


any and all of these pieces can go bad--probably are bad--on a near 30 year old car. be prepared to go ahead an replace them all at one time, as you will thank me for doing it that way instead of piece meal. entire replacement and bleed/flushing the system is an afternoon job. I did it in less than 4 hours.

the clutch itself may be bad, but it's easier to start with the hydraulics (and less expensive).

when you service the clutch hydraulics, this is also a good time to bleed/flush the brake system as well. start your bleed/flush exercise by bleeding the brake furthest from the master cylinder (right rear, then left rear, then right front, the left front, then clutch slave cylinder)and work forward. be sure to flush all of the old fluid out, until the new fluid appears from your bleeders. you'd be surprised as to what comes out!!!!

I suggest you purchase the blue racing brake fluid from any of the big three, and use the Motive power bleeder as well (available from the big three, too) your hydraulic system will take one can (quart) of fluid.

as for "being afraid" heck no! money pit? depends on a whole host of things, not the least of which is the Porsche marque. for $600 entry fee, you can at least recoup that and more by parting it out (assuming---that's where I get into trouble---it's all there).

Good luck, and enjoy your stick car!!!!

[addwestern]

Thank you! Here is the beast...

Wasn't too bad for six bills....

[rhjames]

Well spent!

next do the service I recommended, invest in a timing belt/waterpump kit (available from 928 Specialists for about $600-includes h2o core charge) and you'll have a fun ride for under 2 grand!!!

Have fun!

[demo5757]

Looks better then my 1983 i paided $3500 for lol
how many miles do have on it?