QuestionI have a Mercedes that sat for several years and the clutch fluid is empty and I am having trouble getting the fluid back into the system.....any ideas????
AnswerSam,
A lost of fluid indicates that the clutch slave cylinders or the master cylinder rubber cups have degraded and allow the fluid to leak out.
I would begin by checking under the vehicle to see if there is obvious areas where fluid has been present as around the clutch rod rubber cup.
The bleed valve will need to be opened at the clutch cylinder to allow fluid to move down from the master.
You will need an assistant to exercise the clutch pedal as you open the valve to allow fluid and any air to exit. The will need to hold the clutch pedal down while you close the slave bleed valve before releasing the pedal. Make sure that the master reservoir stays full during the bleed process. This will need to be done on each cycle unit there is not more bubbles coming out of the bleed valve.
Once the air is out, you should have full clutch action, unless the clutch disk is stuck to the fly wheel.
I expect that if you do have a bad master of slave cylinder, it will be cheaper to replace rather than to try and install a repair kit.
These cylinder can become pitted with age and cause more leaks on the rubber cups.
Good Luck! Let me know if you have other questions.
Robert
