Let's talk clutch hydraulics

[Tony Radford]

Well, now that it's time for my annual clutch M-C / S-C replacement, I once again find myself pondering my situation and wondering what I will do after I've consumed the world's supply of hardware. My car is equipped with a Wilwood 260-1304 cast aluminum master and similar rig for the external slave. My clutch is a long-throw Ram with fairly stiff springs. I've been running a garden-variety DOT 3 fluid and it pretty much stays black shortly after install. It looks like ink when I drain it. I'm convinced that the color comes from the aluminum surface of the two cylinder bores. My presumption is that after the fluid becomes heavily contaminated with aluminum particles, it starts taking a toll on the rings in the slave and master. IAfter a while, I can pull either boot and find heavy deposits of the inky fluid on the outside of the pistons indicating some level of blow-by. I'm getting ready to replace both clinders and Im upgrading to Amsoil brake fluid as it contains additional lubricants like their motor oils. Perhaps the addional stiffness of the pressure plate and long travel are simply too much for the cylinders. I've heard others chime in to say that they too put hydraulic system replacement on the regular maintenance schedule. I'm probably seeking more "permanence" than is practical. I would still like to scratch one pain in the arse from my maintenance schedule.