s13 transmission/clutch issue

[Wayside]

Hey guys, I was driving out to the country tonight going at relatively high speeds and my s13 was doing just fine. After exiting and continuing normal driving for a little while my clutch pedal just gave and had no tension at all. I pulled over, gave it a minute and tried again. The car began to move, but slipping slightly at first, and while I was driving the pedal maintained very little pressure. After about a mile or so, it went out again. Let it sit a little bit longer this time, but this time it didn't go anywhere.

The clutch pedal has pressure now, but clutch itself is not engaging. I can put it in gear and car will run with no throttle. It's sitting out in the country now, so any ideas would be awesome. I'm thinking clutch itself or slave cylinder?

[scottydog]

Likely leak in the clutch hydraulics, mc or slave. Look for fluid under the clutch pedal on the floorboard, or a leak under the rubber on the slave. Check the fluid level on the mc tank. Take some extra fluid with you. You should be able to pump the pedal and limp it back home for repairs.

[Wayside]

hmmm...thanks I'll check it out. I've been reading here on nicoclub and I'm wondering whether deletion of of the clutch dampner would solve to problem...any ideas??

I think I'll try it since, even if it doesn't solve the problem it won't hurt anything..

[Wayside]

Got in there and poked around..Clutch litterally shattered. Anybody know of a good clutch for the CA?

[scottydog]

Wow that is unusual!

guess you need a heavy duty clutch!! lol If it were my car and the mc and slave are original I would replace them while you've got it up on the jacks.

Do a search on this site for tips/instructions on transmission removal and installation. It's not easy to put the transmission bell housing back in place.

[cleopp3]

Ya most def a heavy duty clutch I'd recommend an exedy or act clutch kit. Make sure u replace all the components. Ya transmission can either be wayy to hard to install or way to easy. Best I figured out is to have both a transmission jack and a standard floor jack. then when u get tha input shaft between the diaphram fingers turn the whole trannyupside down. then when all the way insideturn the transmission back right side up. ALOT easier.

[Wayside]

I've been asking about clutches on the CA board, and it looks like a Cusco Heavy duty setup will take one hell of a beating...

What do you mean turn the whole transmission upside down?? While its still attached or what? I got under there and used an impact at about 150psi to the bolts connecting to the block, and bolts didn't budge....

[scottydog]

It's a real tight fit.

The method I used is to lift it up with a transmission lift under the front of the transmission and a second hydraulic jack in the back. Start with the transmission rotated clockwise a bit, with the starter bulge on the bell housing at the 5 o'clock looking forward instead of the normal 1 o'clock position. Line up the input shaft, gradually lifting shoving back/forth cussing etc until the shaft goes in, being careful not to mess the splines up. Once the shaft is in place rotate the transmission counterclockwise as you slide it forward. You may need to loosen the engine mount bolts and jack up the front of the engine to lean it back a bit, giving you a little more room.

Get new everything and don't forget to change out the pilot bearing.
Modified by scottydog at 10:57 AM 6/17/2008