Finally bled clutch after 288K

So I wanted to bleed the clutch when I did the brakes several years ago, but the bleeder seemed stuck so I left it alone not wanting the break it. Last week I got out the MAPP gas and heated the clutch cylinder around the bleeder screw and it came loose pretty easily! There was no fluid coming out, even when totally removing the bleeder. I put it back in, thinking to come back later with a pick. When I did I guess that driving it had opened up the little channel and it flowed out no problem. The stuck bleeder and the condition of the fluid lead me to believe that it has never been bled. Look at that gross black stuff!!


I have a 2.7L Manual Trans (obviously) 4WD

I like to think that the clutch engages earlier now, but that is probably just my imagination. The real purpose of this was just prevention of future issues. I have bled the brakes multiple times in the past few years, so this shows that even though you have new fluid in the reservoir it will probably not make it down to the brakes/clutch unless you actually bleed them.

 

Looks like mine when I did it a couple weeks ago ! I didn’t notice any change in pedal feel though.

 

My motto has always been "if the fluid can be replaced, it should be replaced".

And in the grand scheme, fresh fluids are the cheapest thing you'll buy to keep a vehicle running in good condition.

 

That is my motto too. I had always thought of that bleeder as "stuck"

dang Chris that looks even worse than mine!