vtecowner

Yesterday I noticed that my clutch goes down like 20% of the way before it actually does anything. Today I start driving home from a friends house and the clutch goes almost all the way to th ground before doing anything. And at times it wont go into gear, other times it does it with no problem. Do I need a new clutch? Whats the problem?

TopGear

Leaky master cylinders leading to low clutch fluid and air in the clutch lines are a very common problem with s2ks. Sounds like that's what's wrong.

So common actually that somebody else was just asking about it this morning : https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/1009028-clutch-help/

MM3Kwolik

Check fluid level, if it's low you most likely have a leaky Clutch Master Cylinder. (Check where the pedal pushrod goes into the master cylinder in the firewall for leakage/drips)

vtecowner

Looks like there is some sort of leak...

Its not topped off but is that too low?

So what should I do? Replace the fluid? Get a new master cylinder?

MM3Kwolik

I'd be willing to bet that you need a new Master Cylinder....which you will also then get all fresh fluid in there along with it.

vtecowner

Is there any way to confirm that its a leaky master cylinder? The fluid in the resivour isnt that low and I dont wanna replace it if im not sure. How much is a new one and how hard is install?

TopGear

That fluid looks really low to me, though it's hard to tell from that angle. How far down from the max level is it?

Leaky master cylinders don't always need to be replaced. Keeping fresh fluid in the system tends to minimize leaks. My clutch master started leaking about 2 years ago and I haven't had to replace it yet. I just flush the fluid a few times a year and it barely leaks.

xviper

It's low. So low in fact, that it's probably already sucked in air. There are marks on the side of the reservoir. Have you considered looking at them?

Zoidberg

That fluid looks definitely low to me, you can see the metal portion around the bottom of the reservoir.

And yes that master cylinder looks like it has a significant leak, not just the typical drop onto the carpet below.

As mentioned above it is likely that fresh fluid will solve 90% of your problem, and over time the leak may stop. You would just need to keep it topped off/clean. But I would think it's worthwhile to just go ahead and replace the CMC if you're able to do it yourself (i.e. if it doesn't cost too much).

BlakeNFR

Change your Master Clutch Cylinder (might be a good idea to do the slave as well) and bleed with fresh brake fluid. Make sure you periodically change that fluid as well.