Saab: clutch slave, clutch slave cylinder, e mail address

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jerry,
I am in the midst of  installing a new clutch slave cylinder in my 1985 Saab 900 16V turbo from Beck/Arnley. No gasket came with the slave. This appears to be a metal to metal contact with the chain case and held by 3 hex bolts. I do not want to do a redo. Your recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks, Howard

ANSWER: Howard:
 There is no need for a gasket at that point since the oil from the gearcase is isolated by a round lipseal surrounding the clutch shaft. Be sure to check or replace that seal {SAAB p/n 87 10 881). If it was not leaking before you disassembled the clutch, then its very likely to be fine. They rarely fail, except when damaged by the sometimes difficult task of removing/installing the clutch slave cylinder.

 Hope this helps,
         Jerry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jerry,
 Thanks for your quick response to my clutch slave question. After carefully installing the four decker sandwich, which was not easy, it leaked. What a disaster. Now disassembly of the sandwich seems even more overwhelming.  What or where is this lipseal? Can you refer me to any diagrams that show it?  If it needs to be replaced does that mean I have to disassemble the whole thing again?
Your comments would be appreciated.
Howard


ANSWER: Howard:
 That slave cylinder is a nasty one! Anyway, the seal is located on the inner side of the chain housing, facing the engine, behind where the slave cylinder abuts the housing. If you send your direct e-mail address, I can send a scanned-in pic of the location.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jerry,
With the clutch slave leeking,I had to remove it. It was a horror. Why a horror? After about an hours struggle I realized that the clutch disc was hanging up on the recessed portion of the fly wheel. I had forgotten the fly wheel was not flat. Putting a screwdriver between the disc and the flywheel I was able to lift the group out. After my lower back recovered I took apart the slave to find one of the 'O' rings broken, hence the leek. This was a new slave from Beck/Arnley. You just never know. Relating the ordeal to a mechanic, he smiled, saying you should have bench tested it before installing. WHAT ??? Who knew?
Rock auto is sending me a replacement.
Many thanks for your help and support.
Howard

I would not mind you relating this instructional info.


Answer
Howard:
  Thanks for the clarification; I thought the leaking was from the transmission oil, not the hydraulics.
Anyway, sorry to hear about your problem...of course it was natural of you to trust the new cylinder...to bench test that cylinder would require a special mechanical-hydraulic setup...that mechanic is an arrogant know-it-all who "doesen't know it all!".

      Hopefully you have a nice new clutch soon...and a well rested back!

         Jerry