I own a 1998 Honda Prelude Base. Recently under hard acceleration the clutch releases very low or when i first start the car after sitting. When im crusing around it feels normal it releases close to the top of the pedal. Right after i accelerate hard it releases after i depress it maybe an inch from the floor. Does anyone know what could be wrong?

 

I haven't personally heard of something like that happening before, but I'll throw out a few suggestions

Clutch system losing fluid
pressure plate backing out?
bad slave/master cylinder?


Have you tried pumping the clutch pedal a few times before taking off the first time? If pumping the clutch pedal makes a difference, I'd lean towards air in the lines or a bad slave or master cylinder.

- Steven

edit - if pumping the clutch does change the engagement, you need to first try bleeding the clutch system. The slave cylinder has a bleeder on it, should be at the front of the transmission, and likely has a rubber nipple covering it. How to bleed a clutch by yourself:

1)Get a 20oz bottle, put a few ounces of hydraulic fluid, dot3 or 4 works (I use racing brake fluid since I had some laying around)

2)cut a hole in the bottle cap, run a vacuum line into the base of the bottle, submerged in fluid

3) connect other end of vacuum line to the nipple on the slave cylinder.

4) loosen the bleeder valve. should be a 10mm more than likely.

5) open the clutch fluid res. in the engine bay and make sure it's full

6) pump clutch pedal slowly a few times, check on the reservoir. (eventually do a total of about 20 pumps, making sure you have fluid)

7) close the bleeder valve and go check if the clutch pedal feels better

8) make sure res. is at the full line, tighten the cap, and remove vac line from bleeder valve. You're done.

 

There seems to be no leaks.. Fluid as remained full. I have tried pumping the clutch up before moving or right after accelerating to get it to release up higher again but it does not help.. it eventually will slowly go back to normal within 10 minutes of driving.

 

If it eventually gets better, then that sounds like air in the lines...check the edit on my first post, did a quick explanation on how to bleed the system without having anyone help...I'd suggest trying that first, as it is the easiest and cheapest possible solution. I can't guarantee it'll fix it, but it will at least take that out of the equation.

- Steven