Mercedes Benz repair: 240D Clutch Pedal Problems, clutch slave cylinder, clutch master cylinder

Question
This is a 1977 240D w/manual tranny, 330K, in Portland, OR.
After driving a few miles on the highway (continuous 4th gear driving at 55-65 mph), the clutch pedal loses all resistance to pressure when I try to take it down to a lower gear, and it is impossible to shift back into any gear.

I've found it can be remedied by repeatedly jamming the pedal in hard (maybe 5-10 times rapidly). It may persist for a few minutes but soon everything seems back to normal.

If I'm just driving around town (lots of shifting) then I have no problem and the clutch seems fine.

Do I need a new clutch on this car?


Answer
Answer:
How many miles on the current clutch/pressure plate?

#1. Possible master or slave cylinder issue?
#2. Possible clutch/pressure plate thickness/age issue?

I would suggest you begin by bleeding the clutch, the following link will help.

Clutch
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=142409


Vehicle: 1977 Mercedes Benz 240D
Select part

Clutch Disc
Clutch Master Cylinder
Clutch Pedal Pad
Clutch Slave Cylinder
Flywheel Bolt
Pilot Bearing
Pressure Plate
Release Bearing
Ring Gear

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/part.jsp?partner=merced...



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