11-01-2008, 10:10 PM
My recent posting reported that I sometimes felt my clutch pedal tap my foot after release. I was experiencing no real trouble and just completed a trouble free 400 mile romp. However, I was three years out from my last brake fluid change, so I decided to start with the clutch slave cyclinder. I used my Mighty Vac, which had successfully drawn the old fluid from both the brakes and separate clutch hydraulic systems on my '62 Jag Mark II. I used a baster to remove all of the brake fluid, refilled the reservoir with new fluid, and jacked up the car on the driver's side. I found a 7 mm wrench fit the clutch bleeder, attached the Might Vac connector to the bleeder, pressurized it, cracked open the bleeder and began drawing out fluid. I hadn't removed the starter to perform this job, and also failed to release the clip that holds the wiring running next to the bleeder, so I had touble closing the bleeder rapidly. Sure enough, I found the clutch pedal had dropped to the floor.
At age 70 (almost 71), I'm not anxious to do much real mechanical work. My goal now is restore enough clutch function to allow me to drive the car to a repair shop. It doesn't seem feasible to attach a line to the slave cylinder with the tubing immersed in a container of brake fluid, since I suspect pumping the pedal, holding it down, etc., the usual bleeding system, won't work. I'm considering elevating the rear of the car--something recommended here and elsewhere and ignored by the writer--and trying again with the Might Vac. Or I may just have the car lifted and hauled a long way to the shop. Cost wise not an attractive alternative. Suggestions!
At age 70 (almost 71), I'm not anxious to do much real mechanical work. My goal now is restore enough clutch function to allow me to drive the car to a repair shop. It doesn't seem feasible to attach a line to the slave cylinder with the tubing immersed in a container of brake fluid, since I suspect pumping the pedal, holding it down, etc., the usual bleeding system, won't work. I'm considering elevating the rear of the car--something recommended here and elsewhere and ignored by the writer--and trying again with the Might Vac. Or I may just have the car lifted and hauled a long way to the shop. Cost wise not an attractive alternative. Suggestions!
