How can I tell without dropping the tranny in my Trans-Am if the my problem is the clutch or the cylinder? I noticed some fluid leaking from in between the tranny and the motor, but I assumed it was engine oil from the rear main. But now, I'm starting to thing it is a cylinder from the clutch assembly. I think this because I never get that burnt clutch smell, even if it slips really bad.

 

I really dont know a way to test either one. Someone on here might. The cheaper one to try is the Slave cylinder. I believe its around 100 bucks at the dealer. Its alot better than a 400 dollar clutch. I have heard alot of slave cylinders going bad. How many miles does the clutch have. When does it slip?

 

What would a clutch have to do with an oil leak. The only 3 things that could leak in the area of the clutch is rear main oil seal, the slave cylinder or the tranny. In each case the fluids are very much different. If the drip looks and smells like the stuff on your dipstick, viola it's OIL. I think the manuals use Auto tranny fluid which is usually red unless you haven't changed it in 100k. And I think the slave cylinder uses brake fluid which is clear until it's left for a couple of years to get black. But the feel and texture of the drip can be compared to oil and brake fluid. If it isn't those 2 then it must be tranny fluid.

 

yeah, what he said... and OIL leaking onto the clutch will cause it to slip.

 

I am pretty sure you can have the famous intake manifold leak and it will get on clutch..main seal could do it too I guess.
And slave could leak as could clutch master.And oil on clutch can defintetly make them slip..a bad slave more likely the clutch won't engage or disengage and you would have big problems getting gears or bad grindage.Slippins is from oil on clutch or worn out clutch.If cluth comes back a bit after slipping when it cools down likely worn out clutch.If it always slips its really fubar or its got oil on it.
I am real glad to have an auto tranny in my newest lt1.Intake leak will be annoying but can't mess up clutch.