1987 No clutch pressure/leaking clutch fluid

[adamjones1873]

Did some searching but couldnt find anything. Here is the problem.
Bought the truck a week ago, ran great. Then I noticed it was getting harder to shift. Then got up one morning, and couldnt shift at all with the truck running. Checked clutch fluid. The cap was off and it was empty. Refilled it and it ran fine. Next day it was empty. Refilled it however wouldnt shift this time. I inspected it for leaks didnt see any. Any ideas or other places to look?

[smj999smj]

The most common leak is at the slave cylinder on the trans. After that would be the rear seal of the clutch master; you'll have to look under the driver's side of the dash to see that. If those aren't leaking, all you have left is the metal line and a hose and perhaps a damper on the firewall. Gotta be going somewhere!

[adamjones1873]

Thanks. I am going to just replace the slave and the master. You know any good write ups? Master seems easy but might have a lil trouble with the slave.

[smj999smj]

The slave is easier than the master. Crack loose the hose fitting on it, remove the two bolts holding the slave to the trans, uncrew the slave cyl. from the hose, reverse to install. Bleed system.

[TheRude1]

Gonna replace the hose also ?

[adamjones1873]

Copy that. I might as well do the hoses. Sat morning project. Is bleeding pretty easy too?

[smj999smj]

Similar to bleeding the brakes, only simpler because there's only one line. Sometimes you can get away with gravity bleeding; fill the reservoir and with the cap off, open the bleeder and let it drip into a pan, refilling as needed, until the air is out of the system and fluid runs clean. Close the bleeder and top off the fluid. Install the cap and test the clutch.

[adamjones1873]

Ok. I replaced the master cylinde, bleed the lines, and still have no pressure in the clutch pedal. Any help? Not sure if I am bleeding it wrong some how or maybe I need to replace the slave too?

[smj999smj]

Is it leaking? Try pulling back on the rubber boot and seeing of fluid leaks out of it. If it is, replace the slave.

[adamjones1873]

Alright. I have a new slave cylinder if thats the case. I just wasnt sure if maybe there is still air in it.

[adamjones1873]

The slave isnt leaking. But I didnt realize there was a bleed valve on the slave, so im going to go by a tube and then bleed it threw the slave. I loosend it without a tube and had someone pump the clutch. I got a little resistence on the clutch now. But not enough to shift.

[smj999smj]

You don't need a tube (unless you just want to be neat). Pull the top off of the clutch master and loosen the bleeder on the slave to gravity bleed it, topping off the fluid as necessary. When clean fluid comes out of the slave bleeder without air bubbles, tighten the bleeder, top off the fluid and install the cap; test your clutch pedal. If it's still unsatisfactory, have someone pump the pedal several times then tell them to press it to the floor and stop. Open the bleeder and fluid will shoot out. TIghten the bleeder and have them pump the pedal again. Repeat the process until you have good pedal.

[TheRude1]

Maybe try pushing against the slave cylinder plunger and put pressure on it
Open bleeder and depress the piston totally and close the bleeder. Should get any air that may be trapped in the slv cyl out

And pump it up and see what happens

[adamjones1873]

Got it running great thanks to the last way posted. Thanks everyone. Anyone interested i. Buying it?