Clutch fluid shot out of reservoir

[Jblack6527]

So I recently changed a leaky clutch master cylinder. After I got it bled I was still losing a little fluid here and there, I figured maybe I didn't get the bleeder quite tight enough. It wasn't much, and I don't drive the truck often so I just topped it off occasionally ( being lazy).

I was driving it last week, and as I was sitting at a stop sign the engine died. When I tried to restart it I realized the clutch was still engaged, so I pumped the clutch hoping I could get a little pedal back and when I did the pedal went away completely and I smelled fluid.
I was able to limp the truck home, but when I smelled the fluid it had spit all of the fluid out the top of the reservoir cap.
The gasket has been missing for years because I can't find one.

What would cause this? Air bubble causing the fluid to reverse direction? Bad master/slave cylinder letting pressure get on the wrong side of a seal?

 

[Chevy 88]

Google: Clutch fluid absorbs moisture. It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This moisture contamination can lead to a spongy clutch pedal, corrosion of components, and ultimately, a less effective clutch system.

Missing gasket: I wonder if the moisture rapidly evaporated due to heat?

 

[Jblack6527]

Google: Clutch fluid absorbs moisture. It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This moisture contamination can lead to a spongy clutch pedal, corrosion of components, and ultimately, a less effective clutch system.

Missing gasket: I wonder if the moisture rapidly evaporated due to heat?

I know that clutch(brake) fluid absorbs moisture. The gasket has been gone for 10 years or more. I can't buy a new one so I just live with it being gone.

 

[Chevy 88]

Cant you make one?

 

[Jblack6527]

Cant you make one?

From what I remember, it's like the gasket on the brake master, it expands and contracts with fluid usage. It's not just a "gasket" so to speak.

 

[Chevy 88]

Did you check Amazon?

 

[Jblack6527]

Did you check Amazon?

Amazon, eBay, LMC, Rock Auto, etc. I've looked off and on for years and never found one.

 

[Ricko1966]

Pull the boot at the pushrod end of the master,if it's damp in there,change the master. I suppose it's possible when you pumped the pedal it built up air pressure,just like a super soaker squirt gun when you released the pedal the air pressure blew fluid out. As for a gasket,before I'd run no gasket I'd put a piece of plastic bag over the opening leave extra material so it can breathe hold it with a rubber band,put the cap on.

 

[Chevy 88]

Amazon, eBay, LMC, Rock Auto, etc. I've looked off and on for years and never found one.

What year / make / model or part number?


This?

Truck Year
1986

Truck Model
C10

 

[Chevy 88]

Here is one ($33), but its kind of expensive for a gasket. Comes with some other spare parts too though.

Amazon.com

 

[Jblack6527]

Pull the boot at the pushrod end of the master,if it's damp in there,change the master. I suppose it's possible when you pumped the pedal it built up air pressure,just like a super soaker squirt gun when you released the pedal the air pressure blew fluid out. As for a gasket,before I'd run no gasket I'd put a piece of plastic bag over the opening leave extra material so it can breathe hold it with a rubber band,put the cap on.

Wouldn't the fluid just eat the bag? I know it eats paint quickly.

 

[Ricko1966]

Wouldn't the fluid just eat the bag? I know it eats paint quickly.

It doesn't eat some plastic bags for sure. They put cores in plastic bags.

 

[Grit dog]

Google: Clutch fluid absorbs moisture. It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This moisture contamination can lead to a spongy clutch pedal, corrosion of components, and ultimately, a less effective clutch system.

Missing gasket: I wonder if the moisture rapidly evaporated due to heat?

Yes to the first thing. It’s brake fluid.
No to the second thing.

 

[Jblack6527]

So for anyone who stumbles on this thread later, apparently it was actually the slave giving up. Not sure how that happens, but the slave finally popped the seal and puked fluid out.

And for anyone wondering about the clutch fluid reservoir/gasket, the reservoir from a 99-02 Camaro bolts right on, the hose fits, and you can even use the old cap of you want. Found on Amazon for $13, gasket included.