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Master Cylinder Bad?

GunInstructordotcom

GunInstructordotcom

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My 1970 M35A2C had been sitting for about 3-4 years now. I fixed the hydraulic head problem that was causing the lack of use. Now I turn to the brake system and discover no brake fluid in the master cylinder. There was a black paste on the bottom of the reservoir. I cleaned out the paste with some giant q-tips I have for gun cleaning. I filled it back up with Dot 5. Looking from the bottom, the entire master cylinder is wet with brake fluid and there was a drip coming off the bottom. My guess is I need a new master cylinder. This one was on the truck when I purchased it in 2001 from a dealer in Idaho. He obtained it from a government surplus sale, so the master cylinder has some mileage and age on it. Is it safe for me to assume I need to replace it?
 
WillWagner

WillWagner

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If you are versed on repairing, that is the most cost effective thing to do. Before you go buy a kit, pull it and tear it down. Pass a hone through it to see if the bore has pits in the bottom of it. No pits, rebuild it. If it is pitted, you'll need a new one.

If it is a rebuildable cylinder, stay away from the Chinese rubber parts, buy genuine Bendix or Raybestos parts. There are only 3 rubber parts inside, the cup, V seal and the check valve washer. Most of the time the washer can be reused but if there is gunk in the bore, the cup and seal will be ruined.
 
GunInstructordotcom

GunInstructordotcom

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NY Tom said:
There may be a rebuild kit out there.

When I did the brake system I was able to find a replacement for a reasonable price.
Click to expand...
I found NOS for $100 delivered. Now I have to tackle the dreaded fourth bolt. Garrett's video is quite helpful. I can't figure out what that black residue is which was in the bottom of the reservoir. By the way, I found my missing copper lid gasket lying on the boot. Apparently, I had been running it without the gasket for some time.
 
GunInstructordotcom

GunInstructordotcom

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cattlerepairman said:
Maybe this thread helps:

My Master Cylinder Rebuild with Photos

So here I am again but now with my Master Cylinder rebuild. After my Airpack rebuild the brakes were allot better but I was loosing pressure in the pedal while it was being held down. If you are interested you can see the Airpack rebuild here...
www.steelsoldiers.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for that link. I missed that thread while doing my research.
 
GunInstructordotcom

GunInstructordotcom

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NY Tom said:
The bolt is not that bad...compared to working on a Porsche...
Click to expand...
Or putting headers on a 289 Mustang where you have to pry the tubes to align the bolt holes, in tight quarters while hunched over the fender. A wise experienced mechanic told me years ago that, if you can extend your ratchet outside the tight work area, things go much smoother. I invested in some long extensions, 1/2" and 3/8", and they have been valuable at times.
 
cattlerepairman

cattlerepairman

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As a related and totally thread-highjacking rant, I find it increasingly difficult next to impossible to source the automotive fine thread bolts and nuts I need for the truck. Everyone around here only seems to stock coarse thread and I do not really want to order 200 of every single frigging bolt size I need when I try to order them in.....rant over!!!!
Also "having an item in stock" is rapidly becoming a phrase from the bygone olden days.....
 
N

NY Tom

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cattlerepairman said:
As a related and totally thread-highjacking rant, I find it increasingly difficult next to impossible to source the automotive fine thread bolts and nuts I need for the truck. Everyone around here only seems to stock coarse thread and I do not really want to order 200 of every single frigging bolt size I need when I try to order them in.....rant over!!!!
Also "having an item in stock" is rapidly becoming a phrase from the bygone olden days.....
Click to expand...
Depending on the location I sometimes have luck with ACE. Otherwise I am stuck ordering from McMaster.

But you are right. Hard to find things on the shelf these days and people behind the counter to help you with what you can't find yourself.
 
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