Mechanic said the clutch fluid is black on an NB2 with 6 speed. Is that expected? My understanding is the clutch fluid can darken over time and with heat cycles. If the clutch seems to work fine, is this a concern? How often are people checking and/or replacing their clutch fluid anyways?

 

Flushing the clutch fluid is no big deal.
​​​The bleed screw is on the side of the slave cylinder. Empty master, fill with fresh fluid then either use a self bleeder or a farmhand until clean fluid comes out the screw.

 

With a used Miata, I would assume I’d be doing a water pump/timing belt job, including radiator and heater hoses, crank and cam seals. Plus plugs/wires/master/slave. I’ve almost never done a PPI without seeing signs of leaks/issues in these areas.

 

Yeah that sounds about right. Thanks.

 

also of note... clutch fluid in a miata will darken VERY quickly. its just a thing with these cars. usually mine gets flushed once a year.

 

Clutch fluid should get changed every other year when the slave cylinder fails. Maybe 3-4 years if you put in a new master as well.

 

The black fiber gasket at the bottom of the clutch reservoir turns the fluid black rather quickly. I've tried a couple of different vendors with two different Miatas and it always happens. I stopped worrying about it.