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87 YJ clutch system woes

Greetings, I've got a strange one with the clutch system on a 87 YJ (258 5spd puegot tranny - internal slave)

Around a year ago I had the slave cylinder replaced (and while they were in there the TO bearing, clutch plate..the works).

Roughly six months later the clutch wasn't disengaging, no apparent leaks, so I decided to replace the master cylinder. Hey worked great - for about 3 months.

Replaced the MC once again - problem solved - for about 1 month.

I thought maybe it was that the clutch wasn't bled properly, so I went through a series of bleeding - works for a day or two then not. Now the bleeding just to get it to run for a few days isn't even working.

And as before, there appears to be no lose of fluid/leaks.

Anyone?

Reply to
Neale
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Reply to
L.W.(ßill)

Reply to
Steve G

It's much more difficult (for me, at least) to bleed a clutch than brakes. When you mash the brake pedal down & it feels solid your done - but you obviously don't get that with a clutch. Call me lazy.............but I worked @ a Ford dealer in 1966 when I received my draft notice. I sold my power bleeder to a friend/fellow mechanic for $20.00 (thinking that I would never need it again) & then spent it (and then some) on wine, women & song that night...............I know, I know - I digress

I finally bought another one a couple of years ago. I put 2 or 3 qts of fluid on the floor, "bleeding" the clutch on the Explorer, became rather frustrated, bought the power bleeder & 2 burps later was done. It cost me about $200.00 (10 x what I sold my old one for) - but I think I saved that much in brake fluid.

I'm thinking....maybe bad master cylinder, maybe bad slave cylinder, maybe just more air. A man never has too many tools. Find a power bleeder - see how long that lasts (also might help you find a leak you didn't think you had) - then look @ the master cylinder & slave cylinder

Reply to
Carlo

Reply to
L.W.(ßill)

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I've been using the DOT 3 brake fluid as per the Chilton's that I have.

I've never replaced it with an OEM MC, always from the local "irish" parts house. It's had a lifetime warranty, so I've always gone back to them for the replacement (the last two were stamped "made in Italy".) Could there be that enough difference in parts manufacturing to create this problem?

To touch on Steve G's reply....there is a return spring on the clutch pedal, but I assume this is original. I've owned this vehicle since '96 and have not modified or replaced any part of the clutch pedal assembly.

Also, when replacing the MC each time the pedal with get firm (as expected) when bled, but as it begins to "fail" (for lack of a better term) the pressure that is acquired is not nearly as stiff.

Thanks again.

Neale

Reply to
Neale

I gave up on rebuilt masters for the very reason you are seeing.

I 'think' that when they hone the bore out it goes oversize and they don't sell oversize o-rings or pistons for it.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Neale wrote:

Reply to
Mike Romain

Reply to
L.W.(ßill)

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