News: Putting FUN and FRIENDLINESS, FIRST into owning and learning about AMC small bodied cars, primarily Eagles, Spirits and Concords as well as vehicles built in AMC's Mexican subsidiary, VAM.

The AMC Eaglepedia can now be accessed using the buttons found below  This is a comprehensive ever growing archive of information, tips, diagrams, manuals, etc. for the AMC Eagle and other small bodied AMC cars. 

Also a button is now available for our Face Book Group page.


Welcome to the AMC Eagles Nest.  A new site under "old" management -- so welcome to your new home for everything related to AMC Eagles, Spirits and Concords along with opportunities to interact with other AMC'ers.  This site will soon be evolving to look different than it has and we will be incorporating new features we hope you will find useful, entertaining and expand your AMC horizons.

You can now promote your topics at your favorite social media site by clicking on the appropriate icon (top upper right of the page) while viewing the topic you wish to promote.


  • March 29, 2024, 06:59:38 AM

Login with username, password and session length

Author Topic: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder  (Read 5784 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« on: June 25, 2021, 03:29:05 PM »
I have come to the end of my rope in attempting to fix my clutch on my 1984 6-cylinder with the 5-speed. 

The master cylinder had been losing pressure and leaking for a while.  I bought rebuild kits from both RockAuto and from Summit Racing, drove the Eagle to a local transmission shop, and asked them to rebuild the clutch.  After removing and disassembling the MC, they called me out to the shop and showed me that the parts in both kits were too small.  They spend another couple of weeks trying to find a rebuild kit that would work and finally gave up.  Worse, they tore the original seal while taking my MC apart, so they can't even put it back together so that it's driveable.  I'm going to have to have it towed home.

It's crazy that something as simple as a MC can be unfixable, but I don't know what else I can try.  Replacement MCs seem to be completely unavailable.  A guy at the local Jeep shop said that he had heard that someone had adapted a Toyota MC to work, but he didn't know anything more about it.  I guess junkyards are an option, but finding an intact 5-speed Eagle in a junkyard seems pretty unlikely too.  I can't fathom why the rebuild kits don't fit, unless a previous owner replaced the MC with a non-standard unit.

So I guess I'll be putting it up for sale as a non-runner sometime soon.

If anyone has any wild-butt ideas for me (or a spare clutch MC that they've stashed away!), I would love to hear from you.

Sadly,
John Bendiksen
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline AMC of Houston

  • The only thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history.
  • Global Moderator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • *****
  • Posts: 893
  • Thumbs Up 86
    • American Motors Club of Houston
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2021, 04:27:37 PM »
OK; you asked!  :) I'd be adapting (or attempting to adapt!) an '80's era Jeep clutch master cylinder.  Depending on the Jeep year and model, the bolt holes will be either vertical or horizontal; but not tilted like the Eagle mount holes.  To get them level (and keep the attached reservoir level) I'd make a simple adapter plate out of some 1/4" plate steel, or if the firewall is strong enough just drill a couple new holes to match the cylinder.  Would probably have to use your old rod, or lengthen the rod on the new one.

I think it would clear the power booster -- I think.......
George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

Offline Draekon

  • Eagle Sport
  • ****
  • Posts: 368
  • Thumbs Up 22
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2021, 04:58:15 PM »
Supposedly this "universal" clutch master cylinder is extremely similar to the Eagle clutch master
https://www.wilwood.com/MasterCylinders/MasterCylinderProd?itemno=260-6088

If you're lucky, you might even be able to replace the threaded rod with the rod from your Eagle
« Last Edit: June 25, 2021, 04:58:27 PM by Draekon »

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2021, 05:38:34 PM »
Thanks guys.  Those both sound like good starting points for experimentation.

Unfortunately, I'm too decrepit (back and knees) to work on the car myself anymore, so any solution has to be straightforward enough that I can pay a regular repair mechanic to do it.  I don't know any I would trust with something so open-ended.

My original plan was to make the Eagle a reliable daily driver before I got this way, and I thought I'd done that, but this clutch thing has sucker-punched me.

Thanks again for the ideas.  If nothing else, I can mention them when I'm trying to sell the car, if it comes to that.

JB
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline Taylor

  • Administrator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • ******
  • Posts: 853
  • Thumbs Up 34
2010 Toyota Rav4 pack mule
1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon 🖖🏼🦅
2020 Honda Africa Twin the long haul trucker

Offline AMC of Houston

  • The only thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history.
  • Global Moderator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • *****
  • Posts: 893
  • Thumbs Up 86
    • American Motors Club of Houston
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2021, 06:32:49 PM »
I like that universal cylinder!   Would allow a remote reservoir, and may even bolt up to the existing holes!   Fabbing a rod wouldn't be a big problem.   Maybe John can find a local car-guy pal to help out - hate to see him get rid of the Eagle for that issue!
George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

Offline vangremlin

  • Administrator
  • AMC Eagles Den Addicted
  • ******
  • Posts: 4414
  • Thumbs Up 212
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #6 on: June 25, 2021, 06:55:34 PM »
I did a search on Car-part.com for a clutch master cylinder for you car.  I've been able to find a lot of rare Eagle parts listed on this website.  Unfortunately the search came up empty.  However, they have a form you can fill out that goes out to car recyclers that may have the part.  You might try to fill out the form and see if you have any luck.

Have you tried any of the AMC suppliers like Kennedy American or AMC Lives?  Just a thought.

Good luck, hate to see an Eagle come to the end of its life because of a simple part like that!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #7 on: June 26, 2021, 02:27:43 PM »
Taylor:
Thanks, but I've bought both the RockAuto kit and the Crown kit from Summit Racing.  Although both are listed as correct for a 1984 Eagle, neither one fit; they are both too small.

VanGremlin:
I had tried AMC LIves but not Kennedy American.  I looked, and they have this listing for a MC:
clutch master cylinder- 3/4" (81 after eng#011C03)  3238493  $129.00
However, I know my cylinder is larger than 3/4", because that's the size of the o-ring thing in both of the rebuild kits I've bought, and I already know they are too small.  I should have measured the bore on my cylinder while the mechanic had it torn apart, but he has already put it back together.  Kennedy also lists a rebuild kit, but don't say what size it is.  I will call them when they are back in the office Monday and try to get someone to measure the o-ring in their kit; if it's bigger than 3/4", there is a chance that it will fit my cylinder and I'll buy it.

For that matter, maybe the 3/4" MC they have in stock could be fitted to replace my larger MC... I just have no way of knowing.  It just freaks me out that no vendors anywhere have ever heard of two different sizes for the MC, and it makes me reluctant to buy any more parts with no assurance that they will fit.  I've already got a nice collection of worthless rebuild kits.

I went to car-parts.com (thanks for that tip!) and found a MC and reservoir from a 1982 Eagle for $125, but again, who knows if it will fit?  It would cost me $125 to find out...

If the Kennedy rebuild kit doesn't pan out, I will have the car towed home.  It was drivable (but flaky) when I took it to the mechanic, but he tore the original o-ring removing it, so now it's undrivable.  Which really sucks, because I could have sold it and told the buyer it had a flaky clutch, but now I can't even demonstrate that the rest of the car is working.

Thanks to everyone for your ideas.  I'll offer it for sale to Den members before I list it anywhere else, but you'll have to arrange transportation from Sugar Land, TX.

JB
   
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline AMC of Houston

  • The only thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history.
  • Global Moderator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • *****
  • Posts: 893
  • Thumbs Up 86
    • American Motors Club of Houston
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #8 on: June 26, 2021, 03:23:17 PM »
John: Have you contacted any of the AMC of Houston car club folks (I was the Club VP for a bunch of years until I retired and left Houston).  There's a lot of good people (and good mechanics) in that Club; they may be able to help out in some way.

George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #9 on: June 26, 2021, 06:34:42 PM »
I tried to look them up, but they don't have much of a web presence; no messaage board or anything like that.  Their web page just lists a single phone number (for their treasurer).

Also, just to finalize what I've found out about the rebuild kits out there: Both the RockAuto kit (Lucas SP5903) and the Crown kit from Summit Racing are for the 4-cylinder car only.  They fit a 3/4" bore master cylinder; the 6-cylinder cars use a larger bore. 

I cannot find any kits for the 6-cyl MC.

JB
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline AMC of Houston

  • The only thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history.
  • Global Moderator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • *****
  • Posts: 893
  • Thumbs Up 86
    • American Motors Club of Houston
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #10 on: June 26, 2021, 08:42:34 PM »
Wow!  I just looked at the AMC of Houston web site.  The old site is gone!   Looks like they are starting over on the site.

Email their Prez Tom Taylor at [email protected]

He's a good guy, and might have a suggestion.
George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

Offline Illeagle1984

  • Manic Mechanic
  • Premium Member
  • Eagle
  • *****
  • Posts: 111
  • Thumbs Up 13
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #11 on: June 27, 2021, 07:05:00 PM »
Yep, sometimes finding parts for these cars can be a real bear.  That's part of the, uhh...charm.  I'm sure the right kit exists somewhere, but finding it...  :banghead:

I would suggest American Parts Depot, but it looks like their online catalog isn't working right now.  Hmm.  It has a remote reservoir, right?

I found a Dorman number, CM39516, but no one seems to have one in stock.  And that would be the smaller bore cylinder as well, I'd guess.  I would go for it with the new smaller master.  I do wonder if they used a different slave as well to match the different size master?  Or if the bore size increase was simply to make the clutch easier to press.

I also ran an interchange on that Dorman number and got many other part numbers:

Chrysler 3238951
Chrysler J3238951
Bendix 12027
Centric Parts 136.63005
ACDelco 18M2048
Wagner Brake CM106463
Fenco CM1259
Coni-Seal CM451310
Raybestos Brakes CMA39516
Wagner Brake F106463
Aimco M903073
Autospecialty Q-83005

I checked a few of them out but didn't find much.

Also if you can find a specialty brake shop, like one that relines brake shoes and sleeves brake master cylinders, they may have the correct vendors and supply chain to find you the right parts.  If you live around a lot of farms like I do, there will be a repair shop around that does that kind of thing for cars and/or really old farm equipment.  They may even be able to sleeve your existing clutch master to make the rebuild kit fit.  I work at such a shop, though we mostly got out of sleeving cylinders and focus on shoe and band relining.  I'll dig through our Bendix and Raybestos catalogs though and see if I can come up with a good number.

Don't give up, it will all be worth it when you're driving down the road again.
It's getting crowded down here:
1973 Ford Mustang "Rustang"
1984 AMC Eagle Sedan "IllEagle" 183k
1984 AMC Eagle Wagon "Eagle 2"
1996 Cadillac Eldorado 178k
1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 239k
2002 Cadillac Eldorado Doral Edition
2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 179k

Offline jrpentolino

  • Premium Member
  • Eagle
  • *****
  • Posts: 45
  • Thumbs Up 6
  • You can do it right, or do it twice.
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #12 on: June 29, 2021, 03:34:44 PM »
It's crazy that something as simple as a MC can be unfixable, but I don't know what else I can try.  Replacement MCs seem to be completely unavailable.  A guy at the local Jeep shop said that he had heard that someone had adapted a Toyota MC to work, but he didn't know anything more about it.  I guess junkyards are an option, but finding an intact 5-speed Eagle in a junkyard seems pretty unlikely too.  I can't fathom why the rebuild kits don't fit, unless a previous owner replaced the MC with a non-standard unit.

So I guess I'll be putting it up for sale as a non-runner sometime soon.

If anyone has any wild-butt ideas for me (or a spare clutch MC that they've stashed away!), I would love to hear from you.

Sadly,
John Bendiksen

DON'T DO IT!! I've come to save the day. Give Blaser Auto Parts in Moline, Il a call. They have rebuild kits in stock. I just ordered one. They only deal in AMC, Nash and Rambler parts, so you won't get the wrong parts. (309) 764-3571. or [email protected]

You can see their website at blaserauto.com

It's about $40 for the rebuild kit.

Keep in mind that they don't exactly hold regular business hours but they are very good at getting back to you. I truly hope this helps John.

'82 Eagle SX/4, 4.2L 5 speed - Father / Daughter Build

Offline Still Pat

  • Eagle Sport
  • ****
  • Posts: 409
  • Thumbs Up 14
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #13 on: June 29, 2021, 04:24:54 PM »
I found this on spacebook & posted it on a couple of the Eagle pages there because I couldn't recall where I saw this post.


https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbrakeandequipment.com%2Fmachine-shop%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2qC2odL3JlPVQ3aZHXKmbg4oVzGr4WVF0ySKAn6kHO76Y7I4KzWVeHQYU&h=AT3-reMKp5GTth6OIEuJGk9LKnYM7sdtKg2M2tI9TNyo2nf2xB1GB3tHBbYZrfeqKHBJCK87WtL_LhMckUQaECC3CTQCuYYxIMAWBBdZHCESr1Z0MR_PRhj-mE2tydgILf2y55H8L6xwBKPiXM0&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3-4B5_ohxgJSzcB89eq1JmJGtV3d7OHLPGElP1YRg_t2XaeSQ-V3YkAhHchQsq0ayc_S4ayVeodH2Ue57-qQCF47sz2aGfRc_kC0s57bS8u9XNXzpIlNR4Wf4faFyUyFU4H9DHvZ_eFcyHdIJDbXN3DRrPCIhYVc77rNnzvpY8cJ6uzHe_btuNzobQAt2kvLegckF5ZMLDpy2lyu1Ur73h
EDIT
Somebody else listed another place that does the resizing. Hate to see somebody give up like that! Hopefully, maybe one of those places can help.


Good luck!
« Last Edit: June 29, 2021, 04:34:56 PM by Still Pat »
'83 AMC Eagle wagon 258/auto.
'84 AMC Eagle sedan (4 door) 258/auto.
PREVIOUS AMCs:
'72 Gremlin X 304/3 speed
'81 Eagle Kammback 258/4 speed (Purchased new)
'82 Eagle wagon 258/5 speed (Ordered new, traded Kammback)
'86 (I THINK) Eagle wagon - BlackBird 258/auto. (Got hit/totaled)
'83 Eagle wagon - White Eagle 258-auto. (Front subframe was rotted out - sold for parts)

Offline Taylor

  • Administrator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • ******
  • Posts: 853
  • Thumbs Up 34
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #14 on: June 29, 2021, 04:57:28 PM »
Pat, I think this is the link that you wanted? One didn’t load correctly. Let me know if it is incorrect. Looks like a good possible source for parts.
I wonder if it is possible to just order the correct o rings from fastenal or grainger or a industrial supply place like those?

https://brakeandequipment.com/machine-shop/?fbclid=IwAR2qC2odL3JlPVQ3aZHXKmbg4oVzGr4WVF0ySKAn6kHO76Y7I4KzWVeHQYU
« Last Edit: April 13, 2022, 04:17:53 PM by Taylor »
2010 Toyota Rav4 pack mule
1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon 🖖🏼🦅
2020 Honda Africa Twin the long haul trucker

Offline Still Pat

  • Eagle Sport
  • ****
  • Posts: 409
  • Thumbs Up 14
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #15 on: June 30, 2021, 09:17:16 AM »
Pat, I think this is the link that you wanted? One didn’t load correctly. Let me know if it is incorrect. Looks like a good possible source for parts.
I wonder if it is possible to just order the correct o rings from fastenal or grainger or a industrial supply place like those?

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbrakeandequipment.com%2Fmachine-shop%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2qC2odL3JlPVQ3aZHXKmbg4oVzGr4WVF0ySKAn6kHO76Y7I4KzWVeHQYU&h=AT3-reMKp5GTth6OIEuJGk9LKnYM7sdtKg2M2tI9TNyo2nf2xB1GB3tHBbYZrfeqKHBJCK87WtL_LhMckUQaECC3CTQCuYYxIMAWBBdZHCESr1Z0MR_PRhj-mE2tydgILf2y55H8L6xwBKPiXM0&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3-4B5_ohxgJSzcB89eq1JmJGtV3d7OHLPGElP1YRg_t2XaeSQ-V3YkAhHchQsq0ayc_S4ayVeodH2Ue57-qQCF47sz2aGfRc_kC0s57bS8u9XNXzpIlNR4Wf4faFyUyFU4H9DHvZ_eFcyHdIJDbXN3DRrPCIhYVc77rNnzvpY8cJ6uzHe_btuNzobQAt2kvLegckF5ZMLDpy2lyu1Ur73h

I don't know what they were. I tried to copy them from a Studebaker page on spacebook. I just recall there were 2 different posts there. I found it, looks like the guy got 3 different answers. I'll try this again.

#1) https://brakeandequipment.com/machine-shop/

#2) https://whitepost.com/brake-sleeving-rebuilding-services/

#3) http://www.karpspb.com

Like I said, it SOUNDED like what they were talking about earlier in this post & I saw that on the Studebaker page & thought maybe it would help.
« Last Edit: June 30, 2021, 09:25:10 AM by Still Pat »
'83 AMC Eagle wagon 258/auto.
'84 AMC Eagle sedan (4 door) 258/auto.
PREVIOUS AMCs:
'72 Gremlin X 304/3 speed
'81 Eagle Kammback 258/4 speed (Purchased new)
'82 Eagle wagon 258/5 speed (Ordered new, traded Kammback)
'86 (I THINK) Eagle wagon - BlackBird 258/auto. (Got hit/totaled)
'83 Eagle wagon - White Eagle 258-auto. (Front subframe was rotted out - sold for parts)

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #16 on: June 30, 2021, 01:33:54 PM »
(I have been echoing my updates of this thread to maddog's 'Clutch master cylinder rebuild kit' thread; I'm going to quit doing that to avoid the repletion. I'll update the other one when I have some kind of solution).

The mystery has deepened, based on my conversation with Jeff at Kennedy American.  He did some research in his AMC parts book and told me that:
  • The 4 cylinder Eagles used a 3/4" MC (which I had kinda figured out)
  • The 6-cylinders used a smaller MC (11/16")
Which doesn't explain why my MC is larger than 3/4".  He said the largest MC AMC ever used was a Ford one that was 13/16" diameter, but I don't know what vehicle that was for.

He also said that the 3/4" MC was interchangeable with the 11/16" MC.  He has a complete 3/4" MC in stock, so that would be a solution if everything he said was correct.  I might just have to take a chance and buy the 3/4 MC and see if it fits.

I've also written to the guy at Blaser Auto, but I haven't heard back from him yet.

I will keep y'all posted...

JB
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline rmick

  • Eagle Sport
  • ****
  • Posts: 386
  • Thumbs Up 40
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #17 on: July 01, 2021, 12:49:36 AM »
This came up on an eagle Facebook page. The clutch master on my Sx4 went so I replaced it with a willwood cylinder (260-6088). Had to have lines made because of the different fittings but fit perfect otherwise.
72 Javelin AMX
72 Javelin SST
72 Gremlin with 4.0
81 SX 4

Offline vangremlin

  • Administrator
  • AMC Eagles Den Addicted
  • ******
  • Posts: 4414
  • Thumbs Up 212
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #18 on: July 08, 2021, 11:12:56 PM »
Johnbendik,

Not sure if you’ve found a solution yet, but there is currently a 5 speed Eagle wagon for sale on eBay.  it has a 4.0 swap, and also advertises a new clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder, and there is a reservoir for the clutch system.  I don’t know if the current owner was involved in the new master/slave cylinder swaps, but you may want to reach out to the owner and see if you can get some of the details.  The link is below, and the auction ends on Tuesday July 13th.  Hope this is helpful

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1983-AMC-Eagle-/203516833904?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #19 on: July 16, 2021, 02:38:31 PM »
Time for another update to this sad story...

I bought the 3/4" bore replacement MC (for $150 delivered) from Jeff at Kennedy American, who assured me that it would fit my Eagle.  Took it to the shop who had been trying to rebuild my old MC with the various rebuild kits I've brought them (they had already given up and  reinstalled the old MC).  They again removed the old MC and installed the brand new one for a negotiated total charge of $400 (for both the attempted rebuilds and the replacement labor).  The clutch seemed to be finally working, with good resistance to the pedal.

Took it out for a off-road cruise that evening with the dog.  Got several miles from home when the old symptoms returned: pedal goes to the floor with little resistance, but can be pumped up enough to shift with several stomps on the pedal.  Managed to make it home safely, although it is very scary to drive when you never know if you'll be able to shift, or even get it out of gear.  If I ever have to make a emergency stop in traffic, there's going to be an accident.

So when I can get my nerve up, I'm going to drive it back to the shop and have them check their work, and maybe bleed the system again.  So far I've spent around $750 replacing both slave and master cylinders, and it's still not drivable by a fully sane person.

The good news (for anyone with clutch MC issues who's following this thread) is that Kennedy American has replacement cylinders that fit.  The guy at Blaser Auto Parts never bothered to return my messages.

I'll let y'all know if things get resolved.  Or, alternatively, attempt to sell you my fine 5-speed Eagle with a few minor problems!

JB
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline Taylor

  • Administrator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • ******
  • Posts: 853
  • Thumbs Up 34
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #20 on: July 16, 2021, 04:01:50 PM »
Sounds like progress is being made. Kennedy American has been a great source for parts.
2010 Toyota Rav4 pack mule
1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon 🖖🏼🦅
2020 Honda Africa Twin the long haul trucker

Offline rmick

  • Eagle Sport
  • ****
  • Posts: 386
  • Thumbs Up 40
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #21 on: July 16, 2021, 04:32:58 PM »
Take look at the attach point for the pushrod at the clutch pedal. Make sure that it is not cracked or bent and starting break off. Common problem as well. Would need to remove pedal and re-weld
72 Javelin AMX
72 Javelin SST
72 Gremlin with 4.0
81 SX 4

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #22 on: July 16, 2021, 05:51:24 PM »
Thanks, rmick, but it's a hydraulic issue (as opposed to a mechanical one).  You can tell the difference between the pedal pressure when it works and when it doesn't.  And the fact that I can sometimes 'pump it up' makes it clear it's hydraulic.

JB
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline AMC of Houston

  • The only thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history.
  • Global Moderator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • *****
  • Posts: 893
  • Thumbs Up 86
    • American Motors Club of Houston
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #23 on: July 16, 2021, 06:13:23 PM »
Was the new cylinder an old NOS part, or a new replacement??  If original NOS, the 30-40-year-old seals may have just given up.   If new replacement part, about 20% of those are bad right out of the box (personal experience speaking here).  I hope its an easy fix.
George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #24 on: July 19, 2021, 04:34:49 PM »
I believe you have hit the nail on the head, George.  I talked to Jeff at Kennedy American and confirmed that the MC was NOS.  It actually came with a Girling rebuild kit, presumably for that reason.  Unfortunately, I didn't figure any of that out before I had the mechanic install it.

So the logical thing to do would be to drive it back to the shop and have them take it off again and install the new seals.  However, the car is now even harder to drive safely.  I tried driving it around the block and the pedal went to the floor several times, although I can usually pump it back up to shift.

I had already decided to sell the Eagle, but I really wanted to fix the clutch first, as that obviously would enhance the value.  But I'm not sure I would get that additional $400-$500 (towing and labor for the rebuild) back when I sold it.  So now I have  a decision to make.  If I could get $2000 for it as is, I would go for it.  The 5-speed 6-cylinders are relatively rare, the engine runs great, and I've done some nice enhancements (wheels/tires, aluminum valve cover, custom headliner, 'big-cap' distributor upgrade, headlight relays, completely new brakes and (ironically) both clutch cylinders, etc.).  I don't know if that number is realistic, though.

Thanks again for the tip. 
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline AMC of Houston

  • The only thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history.
  • Global Moderator
  • Eagle Sundaancer
  • *****
  • Posts: 893
  • Thumbs Up 86
    • American Motors Club of Houston
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #25 on: July 19, 2021, 05:58:45 PM »
I'd think $2K would be a way-fair price.  If no Den member wants it, email me a few pics and description details, and I'll send it to my Houston AMC Club pals.   Maybe one of them would want it - especially since its close by.
George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

Offline johnbendik

  • Eagle DL
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
  • Thumbs Up 20
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #26 on: July 22, 2021, 04:56:22 PM »
My last update to this thread...

I went and talked to the shop that had attempted to rebuild my old MC, and who installed the NOS one I had bought from Kennedy American without using the rebuild kit that was supplied with it.  I was hoping to guilt them into offering to tow my Eagle in and install the rebuild kit for free, but they would not go for it.

So I will be running an ad here on the Den and see if I can get $2000-$2500 for it as is.  I would really like to see it go to one of our regulars so I can follow its progress as someone else's project car. 

If it doesn't sell here, AMC of Houston,  I'll let you know and you can run it past your club buddies.

Thanks again to all who weighed in with advice.  And good luck to you, jrpentolino, since you are on a similar journey with your clutch.  I've discovered that the whole 'project car' thing just doesn't work when you're physically unable to work on the car yourself, and have to pay a mechanic to 'try' stuff.  I'll just have to live vicariously through you...

JB
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline kailiedtke

  • Hatchling
  • *
  • Posts: 1
  • Thumbs Up 1
Re: Abandoning my Eagle for lack of a clutch master cylinder
« Reply #27 on: October 26, 2021, 12:30:29 PM »
I just ordered a master cylinder repair kit from Rock Auto, and they do specify 4 or 6 cylinder. The one I ordered for my 6 cylinder is part number SP5902. We'll see if it is correct when it gets here, but hope this helps.

 

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk