Classic/Antique Car Repair: clutch slave cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, clutch system

Question
i just replaced the clutch slave cylinder on my tr6 and was wondering the best way to get flid down from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder? thanks  rj

Answer
Randy,
There are several ways to bleed the clutch system. First be sure you use DOT 4 fluid. Dot 3 may destroy the seals in the master and slave cylinder.
It is a good idea to place a small hose on the end of the bleeder valve and thus not make a mess with the fluid that comes out.
Fill the master cylinder reservoir and open the bleeder on the slave cylinder and place a drain pan or jar under the slave cylinder. Soon fluid should start dripping from the slave cylinder. Don't touch the clutch pedal yet. Keep a close watch on the level of the fluid. After you note a small drop in fluid level in the reservoir, close the slave bleeder valve.
Now pump the clutch pedal in long slow pumps. You should feel a good resistance on the pedal with just a few pumps. If not, have someone pump the pedal and hold it to the floor, then open the bleeder valve for just a couple of seconds and close it. Have the person pump the pedal again and hold the pedal on the floor then you open the bleeder valve again for just a second or two and close it. Repeat this several times and the pedal should feel resistance when you depress it. If not, you may have a master cylinder problem and may need to rebuild it or replace it.
I take it that you replaced the slave because it was leaking? If you have used DOT 3 fluid there is a good chance it destroyed the seals in the master also.
A sure test of a master cylinder is to remove the line and find a plug that fits the threads of the line and screw a plug in place of the line. With a plug in place of the line pump the pedal up and use the plug like a bleeder opening it just a small amount while someone pushes on the pedal to bleed the air out of the master cylinder. You should quickly arrive at a rock hard pedal that can not be depressed at all. If you hold pressure on the pedal lightly and it goes down but does not if you push hard on the pedal, then the seals are bad in the master and it must be rebuilt or replaced.