Clutch question, slave or master?

[2000Ranger3.slo]

I posted my question in someone elses thread but removed it, i didnt know if it was proper forum etiquette to jump in on someones question...

130k miles
I've been reading all these posts. My tranny is sometimes hard to put in 1st and Reverse, it will go but occasionally you have to coax it ya know? Anyway, i had a clutch kit installed and slave cylinder replaced about 2 years ago, what might my issue be? What purpose does the clutch master cylinder serve and what are the symptoms if it goes bad. I think mine leaks a little, every now and then i notice a little fluid on my floor mat under the clutch pedal?? Please help me out, thanks

 

[Rearanger]

If there's brake fluid on your floor mat then your master is leaking and that loss of fluid may cause the clutch not to disengage completely giving you the problems in 1st and reverse. The master pumps fluid to the slave. There is vary little fluid volume in the clutch system and it will not take much fluid loss to affect disengagement. To remove the clutch master you'll need to remove the DS inner fender - a royal pain. This is not one of Ford's brighter ideas, especially when it comes time to bleed the system.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

There are actually 3 common leaks in this system.
The master cylinder, leaks down inside firewall, or not at all(internal seal leak)
The slave cylinder, leaks into the bellhousing
Pressure line, leaks at joints/fittings or though side of tubing

Napa($$) and Ford($$$$) both sell the entire system (in pieces) completely filled and bled. Just bolt in and go.

If your fixing this yourself, be careful with the clutch switch. I broke the tabs on mine, and now have the switch jumped because It won't stay clipped on.

Sounds like your master cylinder is leaking. If you remove the clutch switch you will most likely see wetness on the end of the master.

FYI, if it is leaking there, the problems don't actually come from the system leaking fluid. But rather sucking in air and pumping it into the slave cylinder.
No the less, the master will need the be changed and the system bled.

Good luck

 

[Rearanger]

I found this on YouTube. Probably the best DIY I've seen on this subject.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgNTDGwcjZc

 

[skinner]

The master cylinder is 100x easier to do, and they aren't all that expensive, so i'd start there. The tranny has a rectangle rubber seal that can be removed, if the slave is leaking externally there will be a lot of fluid there when you remove it.