01 Clutch oddity-possible clutch master cylinder?

[opelenvy]

01 5-speed. When cold the clutch grabs low. It goes into gear fine but as I let up the clutch it is fully engaged just a couple inches off the floor. Normal operation is much smoother at a higher pedal. I actually have killed it a couple times trying to back out of the garage because it engages so abruptly. Pumping the clutch does nothing. Only driving it a couple miles seems to clear it up. And it's really not noticeable above 1st gear because I am already moving.
Fluid is good. I am leaning towards the clutch master cylinder. Any thoughts? Anyone ever replaced it? I am very capable of doing things on the car myself, I just don't have a manual.
Thanks,
George

[slartyblarfast]

Typically when a clutch starts acting like that it's the clutch itself thats close to being worn out. Typically that is. I don't want to diagnose by telepathy but that has been my experience.

[opelenvy]

Originally Posted by slartyblarfast

Typically when a clutch starts acting like that it's the clutch itself thats close to being worn out. Typically that is. I don't want to diagnose by telepathy but that has been my experience.

OK. Forgot to mention, 74,000 miles. How would that work that is temperature sensitive? I've never worked with hydraulic clutches before, but it seems to me like it would be consistently bad if it were wearing out. Can you explain?
Thanks,
George

[slartyblarfast]

Hard to say..... Like I said I don't want to diagnose by telepathy.... You could replace the hydraulic system and see. I don't think you can get the indivual parts.... I think it only comes as an assembly. Not that hard to replace if you have some mechanical skill.

[opelenvy]

I can get the master cylinder for about $60. The slave cylinder is another $60.
Is that the same thing by a different name? I know what the master is, but I am unsure where and what the slave cylinder is.
George

[bobs turbo pt]

i would say its time for a new clutch

[opelenvy]

OK, I see clutch kits themselves cost anywhere from $300-$500. I think this may be more work than I care to tackle on my daily driver. Anyone have this done and how much $$ did it run you? I've done it on my rear wheel drive 73 Opel GT and it is no small job dropping the transmission and all.
Gotta say, this car has been very dependable and very little has gone wrong since '03. Shifter bushing (I replaced with Booger Bushing), left front brake caliper wouldn't release and I replaced had to replace the rotors, calipers and pads, pretty easy and inexpensive task. That is really all that has gone wrong in about 45000 miles. Now this one sucks.