[Supras] The case of the disappering clutch fluid

[Suprarossa at aol.com]

OK, so i go out to the garage yesterday and uncover the '92 to do some  
errands because it hasn't been run in a couple of weeks and our brutal cold snap  
was easing somewhat. The clutch pedal goes flat to the floor with no resistance 
 when I go to start it. It will engage (allowing the car to start), but the  
engagement point is right there at the carpet level.
 
I check the reservoir and it is pretty low (float resting at the bottom),  so 
I add fluid, back the car out and let it warm up in the driveway, pumping the 
 clutch a couple of times. Gradually, it starts to get some resistance in it, 
and  the engagement point rises. A check of the garage floor under where it 
was  parked reveals no fluid, and via mirror and flashlight there are no 
visible  leaks from the reservoir or master cylinder area, the bell housing 
linkages, or  under the dash. I drive it about 50 miles in combination highway and 
city  driving, and while the shifts are smooth, the engagement point remains 
several  inches lower than when I drove it last, with nothing but "free play" from 
the  top resting point to the engagement point. When I get back home I check 
the  reservoir again to find it still full.
 
So what happened here? The reservoir cap is creating a good seal so  
evaporation isn't anticipated. The weather has been very cold the last few days  
(highs in the 20s to lower 30s, lows in the low teens), but nothing that the car  
hasn't already seen in past winters. And the garage never drops below freezing. 
 And with a full reservoir, why have my clutch characteristics changed?
 
TIA for the help!
 
Greg Altig
Keymar, MD

'92 & '89 (x2) Mk III Turbo/Targa/5  speed
"The 5 liter eaters"
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