This doesn't pertain to an S2000 specifically (actually a '91 Prelude Si), but was hoping someone might be able to answer a question. I took my car to have the clutch looked at as it was shifting kinda notchy and not always coming out of gear. I just had the clutch replaced, so took it back to the same place. It's been only 3K miles since. I asked them to look at it and to check what it was. They then said that my cluch master cylinder was leaking inside (around the seal of the "piston" that connects to the clutch pedal). Personally, I though this was just grease. Anyways, they say the clutch fluid was low and that they filled it up, but said it needed replaced. I said naw, I'll make sure it doesn't get too low. Went to pick it up, got about 3 miles towards home and all of a sudden the clutch isn't disengaging and I am LUCKY to get it back into gear, all of this while driving in traffic. So I manage to get it home and then call the guy back and ask him what the hell he did. While talking to him I he lets out that they bled the line and also adjusted the clutch (where the pedal connects to the master cylinder piston). I then demanded that he fix it, at it was at least driveable when I dropped it off.

He then has it towed (which I think he's going to try and charge me for) and looks at it again and says they tried flushing the line completely and that they adjusted the clutch pedal all the way back out and the problem is still there. It actually goes away if you let the car sit for a bit (20 min. to an hour), but immediately returns after a couple miles of driving.

I informed the guy (manager) that this was the exact problem that I took it in for before I had the clutch replaced, and now they are telling me something else is failed. I asked why they didn't catch this when installing my clutch. He says they were problably to different issues exhibiting the same symptoms.

Ever since they touched my car I have noticed the clutch is a lot stiffer, in that it used to have quite a bit of play until the end, and the engagement point was always very short. But then, she has always been that way. Even after the new clutch was installed.

Do I really have a problem with my clutch master cylinder, or is this guy trying to screw me?!!! He is going to "try and fix it again" tomorrow morning, but I just get the feeling that they are going to say again tomorrow its still broke. I can't tow it around getting second opinions, so I'm not sure if this guy is for real or just trying to screw me.

Any help from any motorheads out there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, guys.

 

hmmmm could be the master cyl. but sounds like you may have a syncro problem . will your car go in to any gear ? will it go in reverse?

 

What shop did you take it to?

 

Kwando,

I took it to Best Western Transmission. I used to know one of the old managers (years ago) and he always did right by me. Always took care of my family, never charged us for anything that wasn't needed. Although he's been gone for some time, I've just kinda stayed with them.

When I first had the problem a year ago, I went to them and discovered an aquaitence (sp) of mine from school (actuall a certification class) was working as the manager there. He was having problems finding a tech job. Anyways, he rembembered me and was the one who said my clutch needed replaced.

I guess there could definitely be a problem with the part, but I just don't understand how it can go from working (probably about 90% ok) to completely undrivable in the matter of an afternoon. Of course, aside from having it towed (which I pay for) to another shop, I feel like I don't have much choice but to say go ahead and make the repair.

MAN this is so frustrating.

 

Well everything is ok now. It's really wierd. What was causing the problem was the tech had adjusted the clutch back out (towards the rear of the car) in an attempt to make sure the clutch is disengaging even more (fully). But for some reason this is what PREVENTED me from being able to shift. After much argueing (they wouldn't listen to reason) I finally conviced them to adjust it back to where it was (adjusting it back forward, thus lessening the amount of travel on the clutch) and it worked just like when I dropped it off. I'm just going to live with it the way it is. It's really not that bad. I guess now I'm wondering if this means there still is a problem with "something" or what. Not too familiar with this. I'll probably just have to try adjusting it myself, just a little at a time and see if this has any effect. He probably just backed it out too much (if there is such a thing). Please correct/educate me if I'm wrong.