Re: [alfa] Sticking Clutch Pedal/brake fluid/poly bushings

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Tarus:

If you're having a contest and actually declaring a winner, I'd say that 
you've got a failed clutch pivot pin.  If that's the case, I'd strongly 
advise against using the factory replacement part, as it might break before 
you're around the block.  A fellow Digester, John Ortakales makes a 
reinforced part that is guaranteed to never break, and for around the same 
price, is the only part to use (unless you like pulling the pedal box 
repeatedly).  So, if I'm right, let me know what I've won, and contact 
John:  <ortak@domain.elided>

If you need a new MC, after you replace the pivot pin, ask about the brand 
you'll be getting from various suppliers.  I've had two on my '87 Spider in 
the past year that I had to send back, one of which failed during 
installation.  They were both "off-brands", i.e. not ATE, Bonaldi, 
Benditalia (Bendix).  One was a Metelli, and I don't recall the 
other.  Stick with what Alfa originally used, and you'll have one that will 
last long enough so you won't remember the last time you did the job.  I 
haven't found any great variances among slaves, yet, and have never seen 
one that wasn't OK to use.  Also, it's not a bad idea to check the flex 
hose, as they sometimes delaminate internally, and block fluid flow, 
sometimes even acting as a one-way valve not allowing the slave to retract.

About your other questions, the new fluid will flush the majority of the 
old brake fluid out, and I just leave the bleeders open until the MC runs 
dry.  What's left in the calipers will be flushed out by the new, but if 
you're really nuts, you can pull the calipers and let them drain on your 
workbench.

Finally, the polyurethane castor bushings are the way to go.  Give Alfa 
Bill a call and he'll set you up.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's


At 01:08 PM 7/19/2004, you wrote:

> Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 13:06:59 -0400
> From: Tarus Balog <alfa@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] Sticking Clutch Pedal
>
> A few weeks ago I wrote to the list about a problem with the clutch on
> my 86 Spider Veloce. Rarely, the clutch pedal will stay down when
> pressed. Pressing down on it again restores it to "normal" operation.
>
> This weekend I replaced the clutch fluid (it was pretty dark).
> Afterward, I was able to feel something rough when I pressed down on
> the clutch pedal, and we traced it to the master cylinder (you can feel
> something trying to catch in there). One of the suggestions I had from
> the original post was the MC, and I think that person is a winner
> (grin).
>
> I want to replace the master cylinder, and I have a question:
>
> 1) IAP has the master cylinder (part 0301) for $105.50
>
> 2) Centerline has the master cylinder (part CC301) for $87.50
>
> Both state that the parts are new.
>
> My question is "What is the difference, besides the price?" I don't
> want to get another vendor thread started, and if you wish to tell me
> about a bad experience with either vendor please do it off-list. I ask
> my question more from an educational standpoint as a relatively new
> Alfa owner rather than "which vendor is better". My question could be
> expanded to include any general parts buying advice as well.
>
> - -T
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided