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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Dual circuit master cylinder

My midget's (a 1972 US market version) brakes are having issues. The pedal stays pushed and doesn't return. I think the master cylinder may be the source of my problem (very recent braided hoses all round, so not a collapsed hose I don't think).

It has a dual circuit system, and I think I read on here that they are a devil to rebuild.

Does anyone have advice on a good source of decent quality new mc's ?

The pedal box is a bit messed up where the cylinder mounts to it so I did toy with going for a triple cylinder set up (Peter May has one advertised) - is that overkill for a road and occasional trackday car?
Philip Dodd

I have a triple MC system from tilton...I absolutly love it... its a bit priccy and took some time to install... but wow... a brake and clutch peddle that actually works

The pistons in the caliper are mild steel and will rust if give 1/2 chance

Id check to make sure the calipers are working properly

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

The calipers should be ok - they're recent and alloy KAD ones. I'll check them anyway, but I think it's likely to be the mc because it's shown signs of going for a while.
Philip Dodd

I got to agree.. calipers im sure are fine

sorry I didnt notice the calipers were KAD...

NICE!

The only other issue would be the 5 way proportioning valve...you might pull it apart and see if the 0-rings have died...its a check thats easy and faster.then dealing with the lucas MC...augh !

-
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

I have to say... if it is the MC ...

id be so tempted to going the triple MC setup if I was you, with a triple MC its just the right thing to do considering you have KAD calipers...add in stainless steel braided lines and cross drilled rotors and you have something to really strut over

Im sure others will give grief...but there is something to be said for the power of vanity

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

They are a bit fiddly to rebuild. I've rebuilt one and it took much longer than anticipated (hours instead of 30 minutes). But in the end it has worked well for over 10 years.
Trevor Jessie

A little out there, but, have you checked to see if the pedal return spring is attached?
Martin Washington

Hi,

Thanks for the advice - will look at the 5-way valve - that's a useful tip.

Yes - I have checked the return spring as I'd already thought of that since when I had the car the spring was stretched beyond belief and it gave similar symptoms.

Any thoughts on a source of decent new mcs - I've heard (on hear) that new ones are sometimes a bit crap.

Philip Dodd

Apperantly... there is a batch of new ones out there in the usual suspects...and ebay has them also in plug and play

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Bonjour Phillip
I'd find someone who can re-sleeve and kit your MC, and guarantee it. they will use better quality seals and assemble it for you. FYI here in aus this costs $160 (late model Dual cct), less than the cost of a new (crap??) MC Cheers
Rod
R W Bowers

Good timing on this thread! I have just pulled out my master cylinder (alternative type of single line with remote reservoir) ready to refurbish it. However I am having difficulty getting the internal piston and associated parts out from the body of the cylinder...

Has anyone done this themselves and have any tips for removing this...? I thought it would all spring apart when I removed the circlip but it seems to have something holding it in place still and stopping me from withdrawing the main piston...

Thanks in advance for your help :)

Simon
S J Dodd

Forget that, a bit of gentle persuasion was all that was needed :)
S J Dodd

If you cant get it apart with a hammer, then get a bigger hammer


:-)


Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Fortunately the smallest hammer I tried did the job :) lol

Thanks Prop.
S J Dodd

ROFLMAO....

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

This thread was discussed between 15/07/2013 and 20/07/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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