[Spridgets] I wish to retract my diagnosis

[Tim Collins]

Back on the 22nd of June, I wrote about a "bad hose" I had installed 
on my 1098 Sprite to make bleeding of the clutch cylinder easier. I 
blamed the old hose for disintegrating and clogging the clutch 
cylinder so I couldn't get the clutch to release. I wish to retract 
that diagnosis.

After bleeding the cylinder several times because of the coffee 
colored brake fluid and still the clutch wouldn't work, I began to 
suspect something else - a stuck clutch. I had used the car about 2 
weeks earlier so I kept dismissing a stuck clutch option, but that's 
what it was. Today I warmed up the car, turned it off, shifted into 
4th and then started the car without pushing on the clutch peddle. 
After a few jerks down the driveway, the car was off and running - 
just fine. I could finally shift through the gears.

I dissected the "old hose" today and couldn't find a thing wrong. I 
ran a Q-tip inside the hose and it came up clean - no smutz. So why 
was the brake fluid so dark? Well, I recall using a rubber assembly 
grease that came with the repair kit, I believe, and I do remember 
ordering more from Peter 'cause I did all the brakes and master 
cylinder too and needed more. That stuff is a dark plumb color as I 
recall. So I conclude that the hydraulic was A-OK and the real 
problem was the stuck clutch. At least I won't have to worry about 
the new steel line.

Here's the lesson. When your doctor says you have "dark brake fluid" 
because you are having "clutch problems"  it could be that your real 
problem is that your "clutch is stuck." If the Dr. puts you on a med 
to clear up your "brake fluid" it probably won't help. If the good 
Dr. wants to replace your "throw out bearing" better get another 
opinion. It's gotta be a tough job being a Dr. You can't be wrong too 
many times!

Tim Collins
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12702006@N07/