Clutch pedal not returning

Last week I noticed my clutch fluid was low in the reservoir, so I topped it off with some dot 3 brake fluid, it seemed to work much better. Now with a little more time, I was afraid the fluid had gotten so low some air may have gotten into the system so I bled the line. The first time I opened the bleeder valve, the pedal stayed down. We pulled it up and continued to bleed the line. It has failed to return every time since then. I read the post for the 2nd gen issues, but there are no broken pieces by the pedal.
Any ideas?
For reference, the fluid bled out of the clutch line was excessively black, after bleeding it is now clear.

 

Have you looked at your clutch bushings? Common problem...and the new (plastic) bushings don't last very long. I replaced mine twice in 3 years.

http://www.lieblweb.com/clutchbushing.html

And....someone on this forum found a way to upgrade the plastic to actual bushing material. I've never tried this myself...but worth a look.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clutch-pedal-squeak-new-bushing-design.76599/

 

Just pulled the clutch pedal out and it looks like the bushing has been missing a while. I'll explore the bronze/bushing mod.

 

sounds like the springs inside the master cylinder are toast.

 

What is the typical action of the clutch pedal with a clutch pedal spring in working order?
I have the pedal assembly removed and in a vise. When the pedal is depressed, the spring rotates a bit and comes to a critical point where it no longer provides return spring action but instead encourages the pedal to go to the floor. Conversely, when the pedal is manually raised back up, I have to pass this halfway point in order to achieve return spring action.
Is this typical? or should there be return spring action throughout the entire depression of the pedal?
Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, the spring should provide return force at all times. have you done the clutch spring mod? it may have been done but not put in the correct position so it doesn't provide return at all times. you may need to relocate the spring is all.

 

I still have the original spring install. I have not changed anything in the original pedal assembly yet. I am contemplating doing the brake return spring mod or doing the bronze bushing mod.

 

we need a parts diagram of the clutch assy then. the spring shouldn't twist/move any more than it needs to to provide return action. i wonder if there isn't a clip that helps keep it in place. or if it's supposed to rest against the firewall so it doesn't move and the firewall is slightly dented allowing the spring to gyrate under tension.