E type ( XK-E ) 1961 - 1975

1963 XKE clutch not engaging

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Old 11-22-2018, 03:37 PM
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Default 1963 XKE clutch not engaging

I am new to "The Form", so please excuse my errors. My XKE was working fine yesterday. When I went to drive it this morning it would not shift into gear. The clutch pedal did not feel off, but as my son pushed it in and let it out for me to look in the engine bay, it became very easy to move. I looked all over hoping to find a linkage disconnected or some visible problem, but no luck. It baffles me how the car was shifting fine when I put it in the garage yesterday and not today. This may sound foolish, but that's my tale. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Old 11-23-2018, 06:56 PM
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When the clutch pedal is depressed, does the slave cylinder move the clutch release arm in the bell housing?

What is the age and condition of the clutch fluid and hydraulic hoses?
 
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Old 11-24-2018, 03:10 AM
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I do not think anything happens when the clutch pedal is depressed.

I have learned a bit more about the hydraulic clutch and I see that the fluid is low. I am going to fill the container and bleed the air out to see if that takes care of the issue.

i do not know the age of the fluid or hoses. The car was given a complete checkup about a year ago. I will see what was done, if anything, when the shop opens Monday. I will say from sight things look to be in good condition. if I can move it from my home garage to my shop, I will drain,and replace the fluid.

Thank you very much for replying to my post.

 
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Old 11-24-2018, 08:59 AM
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Prior to removing the vehicle to the shop, check in the driver's footwell to see if there is evidence of leaks from the master cylinder around the rubber boot sealing the shaft to the pedal. The master cylinder may be leaking and not exerting enough pressure.

In my experience, it's best to replace both the master and slave cylinder together as one quite often fails when the other is replaced. If it hasn't been done already, replace the flexible hydraulic hose in the circuit as well.
 
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Old 11-24-2018, 04:41 PM
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I found the slave cylinder is where the leak is. It is coming out around the rubber dust cover. Am I correct in assuming I should replace the cylinder? If so, I will replace master too, as you suggest. Is Moss Motors a good,place to order? Also, you have a preferred clutch/brake fluid? Thank you very much for your help.
 
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Old 11-24-2018, 05:12 PM
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I that Terry's has a slave cylinder repair kit. I am wondering if that may be all I need?
 
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Old 11-24-2018, 06:16 PM
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You can certainly try overhauling the slave cylinder, but probably best to replace it along with the master cylinder and hydraulic hose. If the cylinders have scoring, or wear, it's difficult to get them to seal properly even after honing.

You can use DOT4 or DOT5.1, both of which should be compatible. Girling make a modern fluid that is supposed to also work:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Girling-Bra...-/172492813322
 
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Old 11-24-2018, 08:51 PM
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Particularly if you've never done a rebuild before you'd likely be better off replacing it.
 
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