Clutch Repair

[LuckyVette]

Hi All,
For the past few months I have noticed my clutch pedal will lose pressure for a few seconds intermittently. After the pedal sits on the floor for a few seconds it returns to normal operation. Lately the pedal hasn't been a problem (I'm not saying it won't happen again as soon as I post this). I've now lost any type of acceleration, and my gas mileage had dropped from 18 to 15 miles per gallon (city).
I took the car to AAMCO Transmission service to get an opinion, and they said it might be a failure in the master/slave cylinder that is causing the mechanical problems in the clutch. I've been reading up in my 1986 service manual (big thick blue binder) and I have come to the conclusion that the problem has to be mechanical. My fluid level in the master cylinder is fine, the fluid is a dark brown, and there seem to be no leaks. Just from general logic, it seems to me that the problem HAS to be in the clutch housing (but I'm not an expert either).
I've looked at some good threads here on CAC, but they really don't help me with the inevitable - fixing my clutch. Let's assume the worst and say that the master and slave cylinder are replaced as well as the mechanical clutch. Is there any way not to spend a fortune and still get realiable parts and service? Can anyone recommed some good brands?

Thanks to everyone. This site is invaluable.

 

[larry bud]

Is the clutch slipping? I don't see how your mileage would change if it is NOT slipping.

Maybe the slave cylinder is occasionally stuck as if the pedal was pushed down. This would probably cause the pedal to hit the floor, and the clutch to slip.

 

[Ken]

Is there any way not to spend a fortune and still get reliable parts and service?

You'll have to be prepared for sticker shock no matter which way you go; the parts cost alone is not cheap, add labor to that and you're looking at a sizeable repair bill--most likely in the seven-hundred dollar range if you have it done at a dealer.

Are you a member of any local Corvette club? Someone there may be able to direct you to a reliable mechanic and one that won't want to take your first-born child as payment. Maybe Mike (Stingray6974) or Robert (Robert Kirk), both from Texas, might be able to throw a few names your way.

Good luck.

By the way, it does sound like it's time to start replacing things. If you do replace the hydraulic cylinders, be sure to do them both at the same time; when one goes the other is soon to follow.

 

[Aaron71771]

Did the clutch pedal problem go away? Probably would not hurt to bleed the clutch master/slave. You could have some bad seals causing inside the master and/or slave which is not allowing you to get a full release of the clutch. Can you shift from N to 1st to reverse smoothly when the trans is cold?

The MPG/lack of acceleration may be a different problem.

 

[LuckyVette]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Yeah, it sure feels like the clutch is slipping - I am almost sure of it. No I have not had a pedal problem as of late, but I am not driving it much lately either.

I asked the Chevy dealer for a quote to rebuild the clutch, and they said $1100-$1400, and I said "thank you - good bye". The smaller transmission places in my area are quoting around $800.
I'm thinking about doing the job myself since I have the service manual (and you guys!). I'll just put the car up on jacks...BUT...it sure would be nice to have a car lift.

For anyone that ever has this problem and also has the resources to do it themself, I recommend www.dialaclutch.com. They sell LUK brand clutch packs and cylinders at the prices that dealers pay. I could get the the whole clutch set and cylinders for $360 from this place. The clutch set does not include the flywheel, but has a 12month/12k mile warranty. I can go to my local auto parts store and have the flywheel machined for $25.



Is there anyone in Houston that could recommend a good mechanic?

 

[Ken]

We have a lot of people in the great state of Texas. Page Mike, one of the administrators, or Robert and I'm sure they can steer (no pun intended) you in the right direction. Mike himself is an excellent Corvette mechanic from all reports.

_ken