Clutch Problem

[Rustyduktape]

About 4 days ago my car started leaking fluid from the back of the engine, near the transmission housing (or so it seemed). A little lighter than engine oil, didn't smell like it, and had a different consistency. Now this is my first car, and I do not have much experience (ok pretty much none) working on cars. I have the Bentley manual and I've been doing some research as to what the problem is, but I'm not completely sure, and I have not put it up yet and looked under it (my dad has quiet extensive mechanical knowledge, but he's out of town for the weekend and I'm not touching anything until he gets back, and we've kinda came to the same conclusion on what it is).

Ok the problem: Clutch has no resistance at all, does not engage, and goes straight to the floor and does not come back up. I noticed yesterday before I drove to work that the clutch had slightly less resistance (and I let my brother drive the car that same day also, and he hadn't driven a standard in a little while and was having a rough time so that could have a little to do with it). Got in my car after work, clutch just goes straight to the floor. Fffuuuuuuuuuu!!!

I started to narrow it down after a little more research. Does this problem have to do with either the master or slave cylinder in the clutch? It makes sense to me since its a hydraulic clutch, and was leaking fluid, which would explain why there is no pressure in the clutch. Has anyone had this happen to them before?

[Ryann]

Does this problem have to do with either the master or slave cylinder in the clutch?

Yes! Could also be an issue with the line in between. Refill the clutch master reservoir and have your brother work the clutch pedal while you use a flashlight to ID the source of the leak from underneath.

[ttrousdell]

yea sounds like you lost all the fluid in the lines that go to clutch master cylinder and clutch slave. Its definitely a leak somewhere. I had the same problem when i blew the seal on my clutch slave. The fluid is actually brake fluid and the blue braded line that comes off the brake fluid resevoir supplies the clutch components.

[Rustyduktape]

Great! thanks guys. I'm going to get the car today (I had to leave it at work), get under her, figure out where the leak is, and get some new parts ordered! I'm just gonna order a new master and slave (and tail light gaskets!!), I don't think any part of my car has ever been replaced, and might as well get a new one then rebuild the old one. So its about time to start the long and expensive restoration process, haha. Thanks again!

[jlevie]

It does sound like the soft line to the slave cylinder of the slave has failed. If the leak is at the slave, replace both the slave and master cylinder. When one fails, the other will shortly follow.

[Danny]

Transmission delete.