So, I have looked in the Lotus Manual for the Clutch Master and Slave cyclinder locations, no such luck. It shows me where my power assist steering (PAS) and Break Master Cyclinder are at, but no mention of a Clutch Master or Slave cyclinder.
I'll look for the sticky to download the manual you are talking about, someone sent me one but it was for 87's and earlier.
Think you can give me a hint as to where to look for the Clutch Master Cyclinder might be so I can check the fluid and hose? Or does it go off the Master Brake Cyclinder, which I doubt but should ask.
Darin
Quote:
Originally Posted by TimMullen
I never heard of a power assist clutch.
You have a hydraulic operated clutch - there is no adjustment for wear of the clutch.
If the slave (or the master) cylinder is leaking fluid (or the clutch has worn sufficiently that it needs the fluid topped off), you may have sucked in air. If you get air in the system, the clutch will be "spongy". You need to fill up the master cylinder reservoir and bleed the old fluid (and air) out of the system. That should fix the spongy pedal. You also need to check for leaks, and repair whatever is leaking. By the way, Lotus indicates that the clutch fluid (and I assume brake fluid) should be flushed and replaced yearly).
Another possibility (probability) is the "Dreaded Red Hose". Esprits (and Elans) have a red plastic hose between the master and slave cylinders. The plastic is known to get soft with age and heat. When it gets soft, it expands when you press on the clutch, which then creates a spongy pedal. The cure is to replace the hose or better yet (what I did to my Elan) replace the red plastic clutch hose with a braided stainless steel version. It a common "upgrade" for the red hose.
Just like for the Elise, the factory Shop Manual for the Esprit is available from LCU for download for $25. Look for the sticky in the maintenance forum on how to download the manual...
|