Taking my Time - Kielan's E46 Build, Round 2.

[Kielan]

Updates.

Replaced clutch and transmission, did a valve cover gasket, and intake manifold gasket. LCA bushings, trans mounts, shifter bushing, removed 14 dryer sheets from my blower motor that the PO had put there for whatever reason, still have to rewrap the interior to black, do trim pieces, and paint wheels, but other than that, I've made some great progress having never done a lot of the work like this before, pretty pleased with myself.

By mid August the car will be how I want it before I start making drastic changes.

But I'm pretty pleased with how things are going now.

Now I have to figure out this clutch pedal play issue as well (I thought changing the clutch would fix it, but it didn't, so now looking for new solutions, definitely something mechanical in the clutch pedal assembly itself).

[CubbyChowder]

I love that accomplished feeling you get when you do work on your car that you've never done before. Sounds like you're taking good care of it and bringing it back to like-new condition. What's going on with your clutch?

[Kielan]

There is about 2 inches of play up and down (not side to side), before it's even on the master cylinder. I have no idea why it's like that, but it is. (This is what I have learned this morning just from a quick look at it). I have no idea how to go about fixing it either, as I can't really see any form of adjustment things in there (and as far as I know there aren't any to begin with). Anyone who may know something about this please chime in.

[Mike36]

Ever thinking about getting these de-chromed? If so, shoot me a PM. I can do it for cheap with shipping included. I can have them fully polished or leave them raw to paint or powder-coat.

[Kielan]

Ever thinking about getting these de-chromed? If so, shoot me a PM. I can do it for cheap with shipping included. I can have them fully polished or leave them raw to paint or powder-coat.

All the time, I will shoot you a PM.

[Zic]

Almost sounds like the clutch pedal bushing, but 2inches of play is a lot.
I think you americans can get delrin bushings from uuc or something like that.

[kbuss]

Almost sounds like the clutch pedal bushing, but 2inches of play is a lot.
I think you americans can get delrin bushings from uuc or something like that.

I was thinking the same thing, but doesn't the bushing only effect side-to-side play?

[nellydragracer]

I know it'll be hard to explain but how does the play feel? Is there any resistance at all? If there is some, try pumping the pedal a few times, if it gets better then it probably has air in the system, clutch hydraulics are notoriously hard to bleed.

[Zic]

I was thinking the same thing, but doesn't the bushing only effect side-to-side play?

If its REALLY bad, then it affects in all directions. But 2inches sounds crazy, so i don't think its it.

Could also be air in the hydraulic system. One way to bleed the slave, is by loosening the two 13 nuts so the slave sits further out (don't remove the nuts) then bleed it. and when you tighten both the nuts the slave will have some tension on it and by doing that you should eliminate the chance of it not being properly bleed. because I've bin having some problems with not getting all the air out when the piston on the slave is not fully extended. (Have worked as a mechanic for a long time)

[Kielan]

Almost sounds like the clutch pedal bushing, but 2inches of play is a lot.
I think you americans can get delrin bushings from uuc or something like that.

I was thinking the same thing, but doesn't the bushing only effect side-to-side play?

I know it'll be hard to explain but how does the play feel? Is there any resistance at all? If there is some, try pumping the pedal a few times, if it gets better then it probably has air in the system, clutch hydraulics are notoriously hard to bleed.

If its REALLY bad, then it affects in all directions. But 2inches sounds crazy, so i don't think its it.

Could also be air in the hydraulic system. One way to bleed the slave, is by loosening the two 13 nuts so the slave sits further out (don't remove the nuts) then bleed it. and when you tighten both the nuts the slave will have some tension on it and by doing that you should eliminate the chance of it not being properly bleed. because I've bin having some problems with not getting all the air out when the piston on the slave is not fully extended. (Have worked as a mechanic for a long time)

Addressing all of this at once.

Definitely not the bushing, and there is no side to side play.

I have properly bled the system, 3 or 4 times now, there is definitely no air in there. There is no tension at all in this play. The 2" is the space before it hits the master cylinder (what you can see when looking at the actual pedal assembly. I don't get what it is. Car is going into the shop tomorrow, so I will see if they can have a look at it.

[Kielan]

Still haven't figured out the clutch issue, but the car is on the road, I'll take some pictures tomorrow. Lots more to be done, but I'm stoked, to have it back on the road. Really missed driving the thing.

[Kielan]

Here is a picture of it as of tonight.




Also my wheels are for sale $400 OBO, one of them doesn't hold air because of air leaking through the chrome on the bead, I was quoted $80 for the repair. All of the wheels need to be refinished as well, as the chrome is flaking. No tires. Buyer pays shipping.

[Kielan]

As I continue to update the build thread no cares about.

Well I've installed all my maintenance parts now, and I've taken care of a bunch of other silly little things in the past few weeks.

Here are some pictures of little things I've put on the car recently.

Finally put on my ACS pedals.


Wrapped my trim in brushed aluminum vinyl, much happier with this than the silver before.


Got some cluster rings (looks SO much better now with them).


And I'm getting better fuel efficiency than I did in my Integra.


Had my fuel pump shit out on me as well, that was fun.



Also I sold my ACS, getting new wheels this week. I'll be much happier with the new setup. I already know.

[FunfGang]

I care.



Dem trim rings.



Also, I love that black finish on the trim.

[Kielan]

I care.



Dem trim rings.



Also, I love that black finish on the trim.

What black finish? Lol.