Clutch slave/arm does not return

[PaulF]

Hello all, I am not sure if I have a problem, or seeing normal symptoms, your advice greatfully received.

T25, 2.0 Aircooled. 1980

Currently the engine is out of the vehicle. Gearbox and clutch hydraulics still in place. The clutch slave cylinder was leaking so I have replaced and bled the system. So far, so good. However, when I depress the clutch pedal it gets about halfway down and then suddenly goes hard ( won't move further). Looking at the mechanism, the slave cylinder is fully extended and the release bearing is fully forward (towards where the pressure plate would be). I can not press the release bearing back, or lift the clutch arm (to retract the slave cylinder). I can only move it back if I crack the bleed nipple open. So it seems the fluid will not teturn to the reservoir.
I have not changed anything but the slave cylinder and associated pipe work.

Is this normal, or do I have a problem?

Thanks in advance.

[Aidan]

The slave will go to full extension easily without a clutch to press against if you push fluid against it, the fingers of the clutch pressure plate exert a lot of back force, enough pressure to push the release bearing (and the hydraulic fluid) back. That's why it's hydraulic, a lot of force is required to move the pressure plate away from the friction plate. You cannot open the clutch with hand force on the lever arm when it is all assembled. Leave bleeding till the engine is back in.

[PaulF]

Thanks Aiden, that is what I was hoping to hear!

Much appreciated.

Paul

[tobydog]

What's the state of the flexi hose?

I've had brake hoses act like a one way valve before; you apply the brakes and the fluid can't return to the master cylinder causing the brakes to bind....

[BigBlueVan]

Similar situation here, with the slave pushrod removed, slack present at the master pushrod and no pedal pressure the system is pushing the slave piston fully out.
Not sure if that is normal, I was expecting it to retract when not pressed similar to a brake caliper. The pressure is enough that it is causing the release bearing to ride slightly, it is audible, with the pushrod removed the noise goes away.
Other than that the clutch operates fine.