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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: jimdaug on April 24, 2010, 09:05:54 PM

Title: Master Cylinder Stupid Questions Time
Post by: jimdaug on April 24, 2010, 09:05:54 PM
The master cylinder on the kit car is shot from sitting for so long I think. The pedal drops to the floor and there's hardly any pressure behind the fluid when I open the bleeder and the pedal is pressed.  So stupid questions that seem like they should be obvious, but I can't figure out.

1) Is there a difference between the power and manual cylinders, they look the same on the parts websites. and they both say 15/16 cylinder and same outlet sizes.

2) Do both reservoirs take fluid?  The rear one was empty, but looked like there was some in the bottom of it.  Neither of my repair manuals say, they just say to fill the reservoir.

I guess that's all for now, I thought there was another one, but can't remember it at the moment. Thanks for any info.

James
Title: Re: Master Cylinder Stupid Questions Time
Post by: Pangra74 on April 24, 2010, 09:15:18 PM
You need to fill both reservoirs. I believe the rear reservoir is for the front brakes and vica versa. The system has air in it if the reservoir is dry, so they will have to be bled. That's why there is no pedal or pressure.

Joe
Title: Re: Master Cylinder Stupid Questions Time
Post by: jimdaug on April 24, 2010, 09:49:17 PM
OK good. I tried bleeding them. No air came out. Just fluid, but very weakly. I also noticed there was fluid on the push rod that goes into the cylinder bore. I'm thinking the seals are shot and aren't sealing the bore.  I'll try to bleed them again tomorrow but I think it's dead.
Title: Re: Master Cylinder Stupid Questions Time
Post by: Pangra74 on April 24, 2010, 11:41:26 PM
I think you're right....dead  :smile:
Title: Re: Master Cylinder Stupid Questions Time
Post by: popbumper on April 25, 2010, 12:11:27 AM
Quote from: jimdaug on April 24, 2010, 09:05:54 PM
The master cylinder on the kit car is shot from sitting for so long I think. The pedal drops to the floor and there's hardly any pressure behind the fluid when I open the bleeder and the pedal is pressed.  So stupid questions that seem like they should be obvious, but I can't figure out.

1) Is there a difference between the power and manual cylinders, they look the same on the parts websites. and they both say 15/16 cylinder and same outlet sizes.

2) Do both reservoirs take fluid?  The rear one was empty, but looked like there was some in the bottom of it.  Neither of my repair manuals say, they just say to fill the reservoir.

I guess that's all for now, I thought there was another one, but can't remember it at the moment. Thanks for any info.

James

Thae master cylinder is the same in both setups. The only difference is that the manual cylinder has a pushrod attached to it.

Both reservoirs need fluid. The larger of the two reservoirs supplies the front disc brakes.

Having rebuilt my entire system, I can strongly suggest replacing your cylinder after so many years. It's cheap insurance towards a safe brake system, and isn't hard to do. Make sure that you properly BENCH BLEED the new cylinder BEFORE you install it, of face more pedal-to-floor issues. Good luck.

Chris
Title: Re: Master Cylinder Stupid Questions Time
Post by: jimdaug on April 25, 2010, 09:24:53 PM
Yeah, i'll get one ordered this week. and let you all know how it goes.  Thanks for the input, I appreciated it.

James
Title: Re: Master Cylinder Stupid Questions Time
Post by: 72pair on April 25, 2010, 09:40:38 PM
Take your time bench bleeding. I've had master cylinders that took quite awhile to work the air out of. When its right the pedal will be rock solid. JT
Title: Re: Master Cylinder Stupid Questions Time
Post by: jimdaug on May 27, 2010, 04:46:55 PM
Forgot to reply. It bench bled and went in without any drama.  The pedal is nice and hard now.

Thanks for the help guys.

-James