Seems like every couple of weeks, when I check my fluid level, the fluid always looks like mud. Is there anyway to run a cleaner through there, or should I just continue flushing and filling?

Why does this happen, and is there any way to stop it?

I think it's normal, but before you flush the system, suck out all the fluid from the master cylinder. I use an old turkey baster for this job. Make sure you draw out as much mucky fluid as you can right from the very bottom of the cylinder where most of the heavy sludge is sitting.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-20-2004).]

Don't suck ALL of the fluid out. You don't want to get air bubbles in the system. Just suck out most of it, but leave the orifices in the bottom covered - then fill with clean fluid and start bleeding the clutch until you get clean fluid coming out at the slave cylinder.

Gravity bleeding or a vacuum pump will likely be the easiest way. Don't forget to keep refilling the master cylinder so you don't get any air in the lines.

quote Originally posted by Formula88: Don't suck ALL of the fluid out. You don't want to get air bubbles in the system. Just suck out most of it, but leave the orifices in the bottom covered - then fill with clean fluid and start bleeding the clutch until you get clean fluid coming out at the slave cylinder. Gravity bleeding or a vacuum pump will likely be the easiest way. Don't forget to keep refilling the master cylinder so you don't get any air in the lines.

why does it matter if he sucks all the fuild out when you tell him to bleed it any way. if he bleeds it till clean fuild come out he will have bleed the whole line .
what i did after i saw mine was that way was suck all the fuild out and use brake clean with little red tube to blast all the black stuff out , then bleed it and it works great and is very clean like new.

[This message has been edited by fierobrian (edited 09-21-2004).]

I always spray brake cleaner in the resevoir and use a paper towel to loosen it up and clean the resevoir. Suck most of the fluid/cleaner out as suggested above and just keep bleeding until you get clean fluid. Doing this to the brake master is a good idea too. Good luck and peace.

Phil

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I am always available to help those that need help. Since my back injury, I cannot work on many of the aspects of the cars, but I can offer the knowledge of my 27 years as a GM technician. Bring the questions on................!

quote Originally posted by fierobrian: why does it matter if he sucks all the fuild out when you tell him to bleed it any way.

Won't matter at all. Ideally he wants to get out as much as possible, preferably all of it. Then he can add fresh fluid and proceed to bleed it all the way back to the slave

I need to do mine as well. It too is a mud puddle in there

Dave

[This message has been edited by ditch (edited 09-21-2004).]

quote Originally posted by ditch: Won't matter at all. Ideally he wants to get out as much as possible, preferably all of it. Then he can add fresh fluid and proceed to bleed it all the way back to the slave I need to do mine as well. It too is a mud puddle in there Dave

Anyone know why this happens?... Is there something in the line, or is there a peice of rubber someplace that is rotting?
Does this fluid get circulated somehow in the transmission ? or just from the master to the slave?

Every time the fluid is open to the air (pouring it from the bottle, opening the MC cap, etc.) it will absorb moisture. The more humid the ambient air is, the more moisture it will absorb. This is one of the things that will darken the fluid. That is why you are always supposed to use brake fluid from a sealed container. The moisture can corrode the internal parts of the system, so it is a good idea to get the old fluid out. Do it on a dry day (when the relative humidity is low) if possible.

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1986 SE 350 V8

Thanks tes...

But I always refill from a sealed container....
I didn't know about the humidity though.... MMMmmm.

So everyone elses clutch fluid is brown as well?

Yeah, the fluid is designed to absorb moisture and as it does, it turns dark. You should totally flush your brake and clutch fluid every couple of years (or whenever it turns dark). That's also why you don't want DOT5 Silicone fluid in a street car, because it doesn't absorb moisture. You want it to absorb the moisture so it doesn't sit in the lines and corrode your brake hardware.

The reason you don't want to suck air at the master cylinder, even when you're going to bleed the system, is if you get enough air in at the master cylinder, you'll have to remove the master cylinder and bench bleed it since it can't pump out air. A little air in the lines isn't a big deal, but air in the master cylinder is a pain.

Just a heads up. Do it however you feel is best.

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quote Originally posted by intlcutlass: Thanks tes...

What, the other five of us who responded don't rate a "thanks" as well?

quote Originally posted by Patrick: What, the other five of us who responded don't rate a "thanks" as well?

man I hope you're kidding

Kidding? No, not at all. It doesn't seem odd to you that one of six people responding is singled out and thanked?

quote Originally posted by intlcutlass: Why does this happen, and is there any way to stop it?

While you 5 did talk about bleeding (and covered it nicely), you didn't really get down to what caused it. Tesmith66 was the first to go into detail as to why the fluid changes color. I'm sure you all got +'s for your trouble anyway.

I just gave all of you a + rating....

Thanks fellas.....

Patrick... easy big fella.

quote Originally posted by Patrick: Kidding? No, not at all. It doesn't seem odd to you that one of six people responding is singled out and thanked?

It's not odd to me, but we're all different. I just didn't think it was a big deal. I'm sure he appreciated everyones input. I owe so much to this forum that I feel like if anyone should be saying thank you it should be me.

Dave

quote Originally posted by ditch: I just didn't think it was a big deal.

I wasn't making a "big deal" out of it either. It was more of a gentle reminder.

quote Originally posted by intlcutlass: I just gave all of you a + rating.... Thanks fellas..... Patrick... easy big fella.

Hey, that's all I was looking for, a "Thanks fellas". Glad we all could help.

I have to admit that I don't understand the ratings system at this forum. Most of my posts here are from four and five years ago, long before Cliff instituted the ratings system. However, a simple “Thanks” is universally understood and appreciated.

I always make a point of thanking everyone who takes the time to respond to a question of mine, whether it be at this forum or elsewhere. Maybe common courtesy and good manners is “old fashioned”, but that’s how I was brought up and that's how I continue to treat others. I’ve found that people are usually more liable to help again in the future after they’ve been previously recognized for their assistance.

Okay, I’m off my soapbox...