Clutch Reservoir Empty

[emmvette]

64 degrees, what a great day to come home after work and fire up the beast from its long winter sleep! Started right up after reconnecting the battery. Tried to put it in reverse and back out of the garage and the clutch pedal went right to the floor. Wow, I don't remember it being that way....

After figuring out the reservoir was hiding under the ECM, I found it to be basically empty except for a small bit of sludge that I sucked out. So for now, my car is under a lift with another car above it and I can't back it out to work on it. My question is can I just fill the reservoir and do some clutch pumps to get it to work enough to move it around so I can work on it?

If so, can somebody give me the quick list of how to do this? Is it as simple as leaving the reservoir lid off and doing some slow, half strokes with the clutch pedal, or is there something else that has to be done?

I see in the Solutions sections mention of a bleeder on the slave, but I can't get to it where the car sits.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by emmvette

My question is can I just fill the reservoir and do some clutch pumps to get it to work enough to move it around so I can work on it?

If so, can somebody give me the quick list of how to do this? Is it as simple as leaving the reservoir lid off and doing some slow, half strokes with the clutch pedal, or is there something else that has to be done?

I see in the Solutions sections mention of a bleeder on the slave, but I can't get to it where the car sits.

This just happened to me on a 90' I drove home on 4th of March.....Just wipe out the black sludge (clean) and add Dot 3 or Dot 4. Fill to within 1/2 inch of top and leave open while pumping the clutch slowly (full strokes) in and hold...then slowly out and wait a minute..then repeat about 10 times. You will have plenty clutch. Just look underneath next few days to determine if you have a leak or you just ran out of clutch fluid slowly.

Lift off ECM and rotate out of way. Take a large Channel Lock that will grip firmly around plastic reservoir and another large Channel Lock that will grip around cap....twist cap (loosen) counterclockwise.

[emmvette]

Got it for tonight, thank you for the affirmation! It's time to get my spring to do list in order and start working / learning with the car so when the warm days come she will be ready. Maybe its a "He"; it does have a lot of attitude. Then again so does my better half...

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by emmvette

Got it for tonight, thank you for the affirmation! It's time to get my spring to do list in order and start working / learning with the car so when the warm days come she will be ready. Maybe its a "He"; it does have a lot of attitude. Then again so does my better half...

If you see no leaks on the floor but still have a soft clutch.....it is leaking internally (leaking back). Then time to rebuild Clutch Slave Cylinder or Master Cylinder. Or buy a new clutch Slave Cylinder.

Just drove my 90' out tonight after a top end rebuild and found Clutch Slave leaking internally. Will replace both Clutch Slave and Master Cylinders tomorrow with a used unit still connected Master to Slave.

Oh....Them new RC injectors are MIGHTY FINE.....cured a bit of a hesitation with Full Power Switch ON

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by emmvette

...snip....
My question is can I just fill the reservoir and do some clutch pumps to get it to work enough to move it around so I can work on it?

...snip....

I'd push it around if necessary. First thing to do is
inspect the bell housing for fluid before any newly added fluid splashes around on the clutch plate. (mistake)

[XfireZ51]

Check to see if your driver's side carpet is wet w oil. Up the firewall. I change my fluid using Ranger's method. Makes it real easy to keep fresh fluid in there.

[lisounds]

http://www.powertorquesystems.com/

jim can rebuild your original slave unit if that is the problem

[Mr Blue]

Originally Posted by emmvette

Maybe its a "He"; it does have a lot of attitude. Then again so does my better half...

Thats how the moniker Mr. Blue came to be. My wife said the ZR-1 had too much power and additude (testosterone) for a feminine title. so she claims. She named the car Mr. Blue, so that became my forum I.D.
Good luck with the clutch. Post the outcome.

David

[FU]

Originally Posted by lisounds

http://www.powertorquesystems.com/

jim can rebuild your original slave unit if that is the problem

What part of LI are you from ??


Pardon for the interfearing with the thread OP.

[Gunny]

Originally Posted by lisounds

http://www.powertorquesystems.com/

jim can rebuild your original slave unit if that is the problem

Been there, done that ... Jim does a great job with clutch masters & slaves.