Clutch Fluid

[peller]

I recently aquired a '68 and have noticed that the small clutch fluid reservor behind the master cylinder was dry. Before adding anything to it, does anyone have recommendations on things to check for leaks? Looks like it has been dry for quite a while. The clutch seems to be working fine interestingly enough. What type of fluid do you recommend?

Learning as I go... Thanks for helping a newbie out.
 

[twistedtree]

Well, the obvious places would be the clutch master or the clutch slave cylinders.  On one of my cars when I went to remove the reservoir then metal line between it and the master broke right off from corrosion.

Check carefully around the master and slave to see if you can spot any leaks.  If you pull back the rubber boot on the end, you might find the problem.

[JimVillers]

Peller ... Brake fluid is used for the clutch.  Unless you want to replace the slave cylinder, just fill the reservoir and watch for leaks over time.   

[peller]

Does the brake fluid type matter? Dot 3,4,5?

Thanks!

[peller]

Found a leak on the hose leading from the clutch reservoir to the metal tube in the firewall.  Removed the reservoir, cleaned up the corrosion on the metal tube and I'm ready to reinstall. Trouble is that hose running between the reservoir and the metal tube needs replacing...

Is this a special hose, or can I just cut a similar diameter hose to fit?

Thanks!

[bdo1]

DOT 5 works great in my 69.
bdo1

[peller]

Hose replacement complete. It was a little tricky because the hose needs to be 3/8th on one end and 1/4 on the fitting on the firewall. Tough to find. After combing through the back room at the local auto parts store, decided to sleeve in short piece of fuel line  inside of the 3/8 hose. Fit nicely, and with a small hose clamp, it works great.

I loaded it up with some DOT 4 i had and everything looking great.

[Benz Dr.]

That hose is an available part. There are at least two or three different versions so you have to be exact when ordering.

[twistedtree]

Keep in mind that not all DOT variants of brake fluid are compatible with each other.  In particular, it's my understanding that DOT 5 can't be mixed in any way with DOT 1-4 since 5 is Silicon based and the others are Glycol based.

[stickandrudderman]

Also keep in mind that hose is NOT just hose. There are different materials used in hoses according to the fluid that they are required to transport. Using the wrong type of material can very quickly lead to the hose failing.

[peller]

Point taken, but so far this solution has worked. I'll report if I see any premature failure in this case.

[ja17]

Also, this is a high pressure hydraulic line. Chances of a fuel line lasting at all are slim.