can you build pressure by pumping the clutch several times?

I had the exact same symptoms, but I my clutch fluid reservoir was empty...so I'm not exactly sure what this is about. I would still try bleeding the system to see if that helps. Run an advanced search for "bleed clutch". If this ends up fixing your problem, I would advise getting a SS clutch line from RRE. You are much less likely to lose pressure in your line with a SS clutch line.
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Chris
96 ESI 5 spd
Milwaukee, WI