clutch question

[providence]

Starting on a clutch replacement on a 91 325i 5spd. Clutch has not completely let go-took it off the road to avoid getting stranded. I wanted to get some input on the symptoms before I go any further. Hot weather lately- from a stop when I depress the clutch pedal I notice nothing too strange, then when I put it into 1st and release the clutch it engages the gear almost instantly. I seem to remember when the clutch failed on my old e30 the stage after this is that you're basically stuck in gear. I'm geared up to do the clutch but wanted to get some opinions as to what is failing at this point.

[jlevie]

One failure mode of the clutch is slipping, the other common mode is a failure to fully release. Your case sounds like it could be the latter. But that condition can also be caused by leaks in the line or slave cylinder or a failing master cylinder.

[providence]

OK- I ended up installing a new clutch, guibo, shift linkage parts, and a clutch master cylinder. Everything is all back together and my attempts to bleed the clutch master have been totally futile. Pedal has no resistance just flips to the floor. I have pumped it endlessly, bled the calipers at all 4 wheels. I removed the slave cylinder and pushed it all the way in and out per the Bentley Manual. Today I sprung for a vacuum bleeder and bleeding off the slave cylinder it would bubble some air out every time but still no pedal whatsoever. My next step is to remove clutch master and bench bleed I guess- any ideas?

[jlevie]

If the clutch master is good and the reservoir is full, the clutch will self bleed after an number (50 or so) pumps of the clutch pedal. If that doesn't happen, or bleeding the slave continues to release air when bleeding via a vacuum bleeder, there is a problem with the lines, master or slave. A pressure bleeder is more effective and will reveal leaks in the lines and usually leaks in either the master or slave.

[j0nny5]

any luck? had a problem like that but we just werent pulling the clutch pedal all the way up per pump...duh,as soon as we did it started building pressure