Author Topic: 230SL 4-speed out of winter hibernation w. clutch problem  (Read 3201 times)

jcjblo

  • Guest
Hi All
Since Spring is just around the corner I plan to bring the car out of her hibernation yesterday but found that the clutch pedal fell to the floor when depressed and would not bounce back up. I checked around the car both inside and outside but could find no fluid leak. The car started up fine and idle fine but I could not put her in gear. What gives?
Your input would be appreciated before I proceed further and possibly damage something.

al_lieffring

  • Guest
Re: 230SL 4-speed out of winter hibernation w. clutch problem
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2011, 21:49:54 »
pull the pedal back up with your toe and repeat about 10 times, if you are lucky the master cylinder will start to work and so will your clutch, if not a new cylinder may be in your future.

ja17

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, Blacklick
  • Posts: 7410
Re: 230SL 4-speed out of winter hibernation w. clutch problem
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2011, 01:51:40 »
Hello,

Check to make sure the clutch fluid level is up also.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 7034
Re: 230SL 4-speed out of winter hibernation w. clutch problem
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2011, 12:01:17 »
When all is working again, might be a good idea to include annual fluid changes.  Isn't the clutch hydraulic fluid the same as brake fluid? (I have an automatic so am not 100% familiar, relying on old memory)  That fluid attracts water which means some corrosion.

I change my brake fluid annually.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV