Clutch Pedal Going limp

Knowles' Z06 · 02-23-2009, 11:58 PM

Can anyone explain why this weekend while at the SGMP drag strip my pedal would go limp...?

For the first time I used Mickey ETs drag Radials and they really seemed to hook nice 1st to 2nd and then 2nd to 3rd the pedal was on the floor board with in a second or so, it sprag back up...I have spoke n to some that say it was slipping from the heat and others that say it is a RPM and speed ratio issue...I wonder about the heat concept because itis not like I was drag racing all day there was at least 20-30 min usually longer before I was up again...Also it only happened here and there it seemed liike when I had a really good launch and the car was really sticking with a lot of pull....limp city

even though I have to figure this out I had a blast and put up a 11.395 at 127.8 mph not bad for a 1/4 mile with a limp pedal LOL

Eddie

**Rich Z** · 02-24-2009, 01:05 AM

When is the last time you changed your clutch hydraulic fluid?

Curacao · 02-24-2009, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Z

When is the last time you changed your clutch hydraulic fluid?

Clutch Care

fletcher4u · 02-24-2009, 06:37 AM

If it happend at high RPM the centrifical force over powered the clutch springs. It might be time for a new clutch.

Knowles' Z06 · 02-25-2009, 09:25 PM

since my car has less than 5k miles I doubt I need to change the fluid yet...I really think it is a computer issue or something like that..

**Rich Z** · 02-25-2009, 10:16 PM

You might want to check the fluid anyway. If it looks like ink, then it may be a real good idea to change it.

gmjunkie · 02-25-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knowles' Z06

since my car has less than 5k miles I doubt I need to change the fluid yet...I really think it is a computer issue or something like that..

I'll clue you,the computer is not in any way in control of the clutch! With that said,the fluid thing has more to do with the age than miles!!As RichZ said,you probly need to check it,there was a problem with the fluid gelling and turning to a Ink like sludge!!

Mannings · 03-20-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knowles' Z06

since my car has less than 5k miles I doubt I need to change the fluid yet...I really think it is a computer issue or something like that..

Check the fluid. I have a C6/Z clutch in my C5 daily driver and have to change it every 10 days or so because of the miles I drive. 130k had it since new.

IMPTKLR · 03-18-2009, 09:32 AM

If I may speak from experience... 5 times I replaced my clutch because of this exact issue... I can assure you that everytime we took out the clutch. It was fine. We replaced it ONLY because it was already out of the car. So back to your question ...why?? Well after a few trials and errors. Llamar walden racing in Atlanta found that thier was a issue with the DOT level that was in the system. I upgraded to dot 5 clutch fluid and no problem since. The lower dot fluid will heat and aspirate causing air to get in the lines and since it can't presurize air the same way it does fluid. The pedal goes limp. ANSWER .. dot 5 brake / clutch fluid. It's like Viagra for your clutch. It will keep your pedal up

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knowles' Z06

Can anyone explain why this weekend while at the SGMP drag strip my pedal would go limp...?

For the first time I used Mickey ETs drag Radials and they really seemed to hook nice 1st to 2nd and then 2nd to 3rd the pedal was on the floor board with in a second or so, it sprag back up...I have spoke n to some that say it was slipping from the heat and others that say it is a RPM and speed ratio issue...I wonder about the heat concept because itis not like I was drag racing all day there was at least 20-30 min usually longer before I was up again...Also it only happened here and there it seemed liike when I had a really good launch and the car was really sticking with a lot of pull....limp city

even though I have to figure this out I had a blast and put up a 11.395 at 127.8 mph not bad for a 1/4 mile with a limp pedal LOL

Eddie

**Rich Z** · 03-18-2009, 10:48 AM

I thought I read a no-non about DOT 5 brake fluid, so I looked it up again...

Quote:

Always refer to vehicle owner's manual for what the manufacturer recommends or warns against. As a rule, vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (ABS) should not use DOT 5 brake fluid.

DOT 5 brake fluid is silicone based. DOT 3 (standard) and DOT 4 (heavy-duty) are glycol-based. It can be distinguished from conventional brake fluids by its purple color (which comes from a dye).

Silicone does not absorb moisture. DOT 5 brake fluid does not become contaminated with moisture over time as conventional DOT 3 and 4 brake fluids do. Silicone is also chemically inert, nontoxic and won't damage paint like conventional brake fluid. It also has a higher boiling point.

Because of this, it is often marketed as a premium "lifetime" brake fluid. It is often used to preserve brake systems in antique vehicles and those that sit for long periods of time between use.

DOT 5 silicone brake fluid is also very expensive (costing four to five times as much as ordinary brake fluid), and it won't mix with glyco- based brake fluid (creating concern over sludging if all old fluid isn't removed when a system is refilled with silicone).

Silicone also has slightly different physical properties and compressibility, making it unsuitable for ABS systems calibrated to work with DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid.