DeTomaso Mailing List: April 1997, Message #23
     



From: MikeLDrew@aol.com

Subject: Re: clutch problems

Date: Wed, 2 Apr 1997 16:58:09 -0500 (EST)



All,



Jim Firanzi wrote:



>>Ok... so the master cylinder problem is pretty widespread.  The previous

owner of my '72 replaced the slave cylinder, trying to chase a fading clutch

pedal.  Like many cars, this didn't fix the problem, so I will be replacing

the clutch master soon.



While we're on that subject...  Does anyone have any neat tricks for this

little project that either makes the job easier, faster, cleaner or less

prone to error by the average backyard mechanic?



Thanks,



Jim Firanzi

---------------------



Jim,



Bill Santos (Emilio948@aol.com) just performed this operation in the driveway

at a PCNC tech session a few weeks ago, took about 45 minutes as I recall.  I

think the only trick is that it takes two people to do the job, one leaning

over the front trunk holding a wrench (that's Deb's job), the other twisted

and contorted on his back with his head under the dash, turning another

wrench and periodically conking his head on the pedals (guess who gets to do

THAT!)



I believe they bench-bled the new master cylinder, that is, filled it to the

max before installing it, then quickly WHOOSH plugged the line in to minimize

dripping.  I was busy working on replacing swaybar mounts on another car, so

I only periodically glanced at their operation.



I've heard several people say that if they ever had it to do over again,

they'd mount studs (where and how exactly, I don't remember) to make it much

easier the next time.  Presumably if this (and the brake master as well) was

fitted with studs instead of a nut and bolt arrangement, one could easily do

the job alone.



Bill was trying to sign up for the list during its period of crash-ness, so I

don't know if he's up-to-speed yet, so I'll CC him a copy of this.  Bill,

please post a summary of your experience (symptoms, cure, and any helpful

hints) to 'DeTomaso@wgate.com', then get thee on the list!



Mike