Clutch Master Cyl. Problems

[Tifosi]

It really looks like that clutch pivot arm was re-welded at some point, and if so, likely not at the correct angle.

The length adjustment on the rod should be set prior to putting the MS in, or at least with the yoke disconnected from the clutch arm. (it's a static length thing, though there should be room to get the correct length when it's installed and connected)

[ghnl]

Hmm, I agree - that clutch pivot shaft looks askew.

Here's a picture of our '84 Spider. It's hard to see in the photo but, with the clutch pedal released, the lever on the pivot shaft moves into a small recess in the firewall. It isn't touching the firewall but there isn't enough room to slide my fingers down behind it. It looks like that lever on your car is further away from the firewall. Perhaps the weld broke (or partially broke) and it was re-welded in an incorrect position?

If you cut off some of the master cylinder's pushrod it may indeed work OK. But then you'll become a DPO (D@mn Previous Owner) if/when some future Alfa restorer replaces the clutch pivot arm with a proper one...

[gadwhite]

Thanks guys. Eric thanks for the picture now I know what the problem is > dont worry I'll get the new pivot arm ( its only $69). If i dont I'll just have problems down the road, but its spring so I may try this for a little while. I hate being off the road when its so nice.

[gadwhite]

Ok Im getting tired of bleeding and pumping. Got a lot of air out by still getting very little movement at the slave. No leaks that I can see and the flex hose is not ballooning. Im thinking of using my vacuum brake bleeder on this. Any comments?

BTW: I am also pushing the slave plunger in to get more fluid/air out, and the nipple is at 12 o'clock.

[ghnl]

I've always found it difficult to bleed a partially filled hydraulic clutch system. When starting from new it doesn't give me much trouble but getting air out of partially filled system is often frustrating. You are trying to push air down afterall.

A vacuum bleeder might help.

What I've done in the past is to use a large syringe and a short length of plastic hose to push fluid (and air) UP to the master cylider via the bleed screw. (be careful to not allow the reservoir to overflow - brake fluid can act as a paint remover)

You can also try propping the clutch pedal down (a piece of broomstick wedged against the seat base could work) and leaving it like that overnight. On a motorcycle we sometimes do that (by tying the clutch lever to the handlebar) to encourage air to make its way up to the master cylinder.

[gadwhite]

Eric
Thanks again for the help. The syringe you mention; any tips on where to get one?

[Tifosi]

You should be able to aquire one at a motorcycle shop, farm and garden center (they use them on big critters) or even a kitchen supply store (think of the Ronco 'flavor injector' as seen on TV )

You might even ask a local doctor or vet, though they are usually not very cooperative as they have that whole 'use it for drugs' concern going.

Alternatively, you could go to a pressure bleeder, which while a bit expensive up fornt, does work quite well and requires no pumping of anything.

Quote:

BTW: I am also pushing the slave plunger in to get more fluid/air out

[lowmileage]

Sometimes the simple 'ol fashioned "gravity method works and you can do it youself without a helper. It takes a bit of time though.

[gadwhite]

Ok Trying gravity now. (pressure bleeder did not work) opened the system at both ends. Filled resevoir. off to the store to get a large syringe. In case I need to push the fluid.

[lowmileage]

Like already said, if you push up with the fluid, make sure you cover the fender well cause brake fluid has a real bad habit of ending up where you don't want it.

[gadwhite]

Will do> I will leave the gravity deal to work overnight and see what happens>

[gadwhite]

No luck with gravity, though I think I know why. Because my clutch pivot arm is bad I think the plunger is blocking the port to the reservoir on the mater cyl. Going to try and adjust the fork to the pivot while I wait for a new pivot. Also got a syringe so Im going to test the push method for bleeding( After unhooking the pivot fork). I want to find out if there are any other problems with the slave cyl(or anywhere else) Il let you know how it works.

[gadwhite]

Ok ordered a new slave, fexible line, pivot arm. Just going to replace the whole lot and do the job right. Will let you know how it turns out.

[gadwhite]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghnl Hmm, I agree - that clutch pivot shaft looks askew. Here's a picture of our '84 Spider. It's hard to see in the photo but, with the clutch pedal released, the lever on the pivot shaft moves into a small recess in the firewall. It isn't touching the firewall but there isn't enough room to slide my fingers down behind it. It looks like that lever on your car is further away from the firewall. Perhaps the weld broke (or partially broke) and it was re-welded in an incorrect position? If you cut off some of the master cylinder's pushrod it may indeed work OK. But then you'll become a DPO (D@mn Previous Owner) if/when some future Alfa restorer replaces the clutch pivot arm with a proper one...

[vf31rhill]

"The mystery is how the Master Cyl. rod got so badly bent." + "Teenage sons" = ?????

Any possible connection? This sounds like a classic case of "Son, how did you manage to get yourself into such a mess?

Robert