Johnny G Pipe

Hi folks, so this old French 79 5 speed is just crumbling with use. The clutch already judders like crazy and I am going to inspect it, this weekend I hope - the clutch arm bushing is also knackered.

However the recent problem has been a problem engaging 1st/reverse (just won't go in to gear) from cold. Maybe pumping it helps, or just leaving it for a minute and trying again. Also the pedal now doesn't return to upright, I need to lift it with my toe. Eventually settles when driving.

This coincides with a new problem with very low brake fluid...so I guess a leak in the clutch hydraulic system. There are no signs of leaks behind the pedal/under carpet, or anywhere else TBH. Blue pipe was leaking at the connection to the reservoir but I trimmed a little off the top and that seems fine now.

Do these symptoms point to a likely culprit to anyone? A search reveals advice to 'replace everything' but I don't really want to cut a hole in this car to get to the master..not this week anyway :-/

davek9

Those old Transmissions need to warm up a bit before the old style synchro's start to work, they were improved in '85 but even those need to get warm.
Have you tried changing the trans fluid to a 75w90, like Mobil 1, this can also help some.

If you do have any air in the system and a a bad arm bush, it will affect proper operation.
Peddle not returning is an indication of air in the slave

Dave K

Weds

I had a similar problem of a mysterious fluid leak, mine is an auto. After checking around all the pipework, calipers etc there was only one other place to check and that was the servo. Found the brake master cylinder had leaked into the servo and half filled with fluid. Took out over a litre of fluid..

hlee96

Johnny G Pipe

Thanks guys.
Air in the slave = leak in the slave?
Going to investigate today, first have to finish a brake job on the 356 to free up the jack and stands. Wish it was warmer out there.

Weds

Yes brake booster..

Johnny G Pipe

Hi guys, it was the slave cylinder. Finally got under the car today and pumping the clutch pushes heaps of fluid out of the inspection hole.

Even though slaves for early cars arent expensive I am tempted just to rebuild it, doesnt seem too hard, I have rebuilt brake calipers before. Is there a step by step anywhere, or any other advice?
I have searched here and only found issues with later slave rebuilds, and there is just a shoddy video on you tube of a guy stripping a 944 slave.

Thanks in advance.

Mrmerlin

buy a new slave unless you want to touch the one you have now in less than 20 years