Clutch concern?

[Kjakk]

Just last weekend I took my Esprit out early in the morning on a chilly fall day. I noticed right away that the car did not want to go into reverse gear and there was some grinding. The clutch pedal seemed to grab right off the floor also. I was able to get going but all other gears were hard to get into until the car and the outside temperature warmed up. After that, things seemed back to normal. Both master and slave cylinders were replaced about 3 years ago. Any ideas what this might be, or suggestions as to diagnose the cause?

Thanks

[lotus4s]

Sounds like a hydraulic problem. How's the fluid level in the master cylinder? Check for leaks in the boot and also under the carpet behind the clutch pedal and at the slave cylinder. If no leaks I'd start with a good flush and bleed and go from there.

[andydclements]

And if it isn't hydraulic (or closely related like fork is warn or something) then it could be the plate starting to warp or similar.

Andy

[Kjakk]

The fluid was just about all gone, but I dont see any obvious signs of leakage.

[Riddlemr2]

Chuck, Foreign Accents in Greensboro did a great job with my clutch if you need some significant service. I'd fill the fluid and see if you loose any and how fast it drops. Make sure you bring some extra fluid along this weekend

[Kjakk]

I put some fluid in a few days ago so i'll see how it goes now.

[lotus4s]

Did you pull back the carpet and check under it behind the clutch pedal?

Monitor the fluid level closely, it's got to be going somewhere.

[chris]

Hi, I know you said you had the master and slave cyclinder changed, was the red hose done at the same time?

Cheers chris

[Kjakk]

Yes, the red hose was done a while ago. Since I filled the fluid back up, things seem to be back to normal, so now I just need to locate the source of the leak. It's been pretty cold here lately so if that is affecting the situation then I may see something. Thanks for the responses.

[rene1993earlys4turbo]

The truck drivers in Alaska they put antifreze in there brake lines so the system will work properly anny susgestions maybe will work for the cluctch

[Bibs]

I most certainly wouldn't advise anything but clutch fluid in the clutch line and reservoir.