Clutch Help ASAP

[Redlined WS 6]

Hey all
something is up with my clutch. I have been trying to ask around and find out if anyone knows for sure what the problem is before I start tearing into the car. It could be several things. When I run through the gears hard the clutch seems to drag a bit. The clutch pedal wont come all the way back to its original spot untill after I pump it a few times. I have had people tell me it could be the clutch master cylinder. The fluid is real dirty so I am going to start by draining that. I have had this problem for a while and no one seems to know for sure what is wrong. I need to get it fixed soon though because I am having a cam swap and dyno tune done in two weeks ..cant wait ill post results. any help on the clutch would be great...thanks

 

[carguy_z28]

Without actually seeing it, I would guess that it IS the clutch master cyl. Fluid should never get dirty. I always replace all my fluids once a year. or check for a kink in the line somwhere. But I dont think that would be it, I have heard of this as a problem before.

 

[Violator]

I'm betting the fluid is real dark like graphite. Common with the 98-02 LS1 cars with the integral slave. This comes from heat. The factory designed this setup with a restriction in the line going from the master to slave to actually make the clutch slip. This was GM's way to protect the weak 7.5 10 bolt instead of using a better rear. When the clutch is dumped the restriction slows fluid flow down to keep the clutch from making quick full engagement to help keep from "shocking" the rear. This is where you'll hear about the "drill mod" which is where you disconnect the line from the master and slave and then drill out the restriction which is about 1 inch in from the master end.

On to your real problem. The 98-00 setups had a problem with both master and slave leaking problems. Get up under the dash and check the master where the rod enters it and look for fluid. If the master isn't leaking then you'll most likely be into a slave which will require pulling the trans. Might as well get a clutch and put it in while you at it since the stockers were garbage. Be a good time to change over the master too. Get a master and slave for a 2002. Bleeding it will probably help get you a full pedal back but it'll go away again.

 

[carguy_z28]

I'm betting the fluid is real dark like graphite. Common with the 98-02 LS1 cars with the integral slave. This comes from heat. The factory designed this setup with a restriction in the line going from the master to slave to actually make the clutch slip. This was GM's way to protect the weak 7.5 10 bolt instead of using a better rear. When the clutch is dumped the restriction slows fluid flow down to keep the clutch from making quick full engagement to help keep from "shocking" the rear. This is where you'll hear about the "drill mod" which is where you disconnect the line from the master and slave and then drill out the restriction which is about 1 inch in from the master end.

On to your real problem. The 98-00 setups had a problem with both master and slave leaking problems. Get up under the dash and check the master where the rod enters it and look for fluid. If the master isn't leaking then you'll most likely be into a slave which will require pulling the trans. Might as well get a clutch and put it in while you at it since the stockers were garbage. Be a good time to change over the master too. Get a master and slave for a 2002. Bleeding it will probably help get you a full pedal back but it'll go away again.

Awsome feedback man! Good to have someone who is right on down to the point.