CJG Posted August 2, 2010 Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 Hi everyone, I'm afraid the old girl is still dripping DOT4 - something I need to get sorted before I have the bulkhead resprayed!!! The brake master cylinder (which is about 8 months old) seems OK, but I've noticed fluid oozing from around the cap of the reservoir on the clutch master cylinder (which is about 48 years old). The question is - is it enough to replace the seal at the top of the reservoir? Is the system likely to be overfilled? If I need a new cylinder, where can I get a reliable unit of decent quality? The problem occurs primarily after long runs, particularly when there is a lot of heat in the engine bay. Finally, what precautions can I take when the car is stored for 3 years to prevent the seals from giving out and causing another catastrophic loss of fluid? I fear draining the hydraulic circuits will allow everything in there to rust solid..... Regards from (still) Düsseldorf, CJG Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted August 2, 2010 Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 my cap has always had a weep/seep of fluid - can't stop the bl**dy thing. To stop fluid running on to the the bulkhead I put a screwed up piece of cleaning cloth under the cylinder and change it every couple of weeks. I have 2 Pack paint so no problems about paint lifting but the cloth ensures that fluid isn't on exposed areas. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted August 2, 2010 Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 (edited) PTFE tape on the cap thread Stuart. Edited August 2, 2010 by stuart Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted August 2, 2010 Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 .....wish I had thought of that... Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR 2100 Posted August 2, 2010 Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 PTFE tape on the cap thread Stuart. Surely that would have an effect only if the fluid was finding its way down the threads, and surely an effective cap seal would prevent that. Maybe the fluid is coming out of the vent hole in the cap? (but just looks like it's coming out of the threads) AlanR Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CJG Posted August 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 Surely that would have an effect only if the fluid was finding its way down the threads, and surely an effective cap seal would prevent that. Maybe the fluid is coming out of the vent hole in the cap? (but just looks like it's coming out of the threads) AlanR Thanks, Alan. Just one question, though. If it's coming out through the vent hole, how do I stop it? Does that mean the system's overfilled? Regards, CJG Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dykins Posted August 2, 2010 Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 .....wish I had thought of that... Roger You will Roger Regards Peter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted August 2, 2010 Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 Surely that would have an effect only if the fluid was finding its way down the threads, and surely an effective cap seal would prevent that. Maybe the fluid is coming out of the vent hole in the cap? (but just looks like it's coming out of the threads) AlanR That is precisely the problem it does come out of the thread. I had the same problem with the brake master on my 4a and changed the lid several times until I eventually found one that was a reasonable seal as its the thread that the fluid migrates down despite a rubber seal at the top. Even then it still benefits from PTFE tape . Just poor manufacturing tolerances. I do remember they werent that good on most cars when new. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CJG Posted August 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 That is precisely the problem it does come out of the thread. I had the same problem with the brake master on my 4a and changed the lid several times until I eventually found one that was a reasonable seal as its the thread that the fluid migrates down despite a rubber seal at the top. Even then it still benefits from PTFE tape . Just poor manufacturing tolerances. I do remember they werent that good on most cars when new. Stuart. Thanks Stuart. On which side should I put the tape: on the reservoir or on the lid? Regards, CJG Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted August 2, 2010 Report Share Posted August 2, 2010 Thanks Stuart. On which side should I put the tape: on the reservoir or on the lid? Regards, CJG On the reservoir. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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