1988 Honda Prelude Loose Clutch

1988 HONDA PRELUDE
10,300 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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LRUDY54
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A couple weeks after a 500 mile trip, I got in the Prelude and noticed the gears were hard to shift. Didn't think much of it until I got in yesterday to take a drive and the clutch had very little tension in it and when I started the car it was hard to change the gears. Naturally, I changed my mind about the dirve for fear of tearing something up.

Since I can get the gears to change with the car off, I pulled it out of the garage to check under the hood and to see if I could see any spots from a possible leak.

I did not see any signs of leakage, but when I check the clutch fluid, I noticed it seems low. The fluid only comes to the top of the tube, there is none in the resevoir....it is below the min line.

I realize it probably needs fluid. Am I correct when I say brake fluid instead of transmission fluid? I think DOT 3. Will any brand do or do I need to get Honda brand?

If this doesn't fix the problem, would it hurt to drive it to the dealer for evaluation? I don't want to strip any gears or cause damage to the transmission if the problem is in the clutch.

Also, how do I know if the line needs to be bled?

Thank you,
Linda R.[img:c80b4a6dcd]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/229303_Prelude_With_Wheels_005_1.jpg[/img:c80b4a6dcd]
[img:c80b4a6dcd]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/229303_Prelude_With_Wheels_011_1.jpg[/img:c80b4a6dcd]
[img:c80b4a6dcd]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/229303_Prelude_With_Wheels_004_2.jpg[/img:c80b4a6dcd]
[img:c80b4a6dcd]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/229303_PreludeWithWheels015_1.jpg[/img:c80b4a6dcd]
Aug 17, 2008 at 2:05 PM
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