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MG MGB Technical - Clutch Master Cylinder R&R

I removed the clutch master cylinder on my 1968 MGB last night. On the back side of the master cylinder I found the banjo connector held on by a banjo bolt and one brass/copper? washer. My questions are:

1)Aren't there supposed to be (2) washers on the bolt?
2) What material are the washers made of?
3) Is the compression of these washers suffcient to prevent leakage? The reason I am doing this is because I have mysterious leaks around the master cylinder.
4) Are these washer supposed to be flat and smooth? The one I have has a ridge where it fit up to the bolt.
5) Can I find this type of washer in a regular parts store?

Any help you guys can give would be much appreciated.

Rick

Rick Bartell

Rick, here we go:
1) Yes, one on each side of the banjo fitting.
2) Copper, but I'm not sure of which hardness.
3) Yes, if they're in good shape. See next.
4) Yes, when they're new. They conform to the surfaces they're squeezed against.
5) Yes, probably, although I can't give you an exact source. They are used in many hydraulic applications.
Hope this helps!

Ken
Ken Lessig

Rick. The washers are available, very inexpensively, from Moss. I purchase several and keep them in stock. Old washers can be reused if they are annealed first. Hang them on a piece of wire, heat to red in a propane torch and let air cool. (Some have been taught to quench them in water after heating. This helps to remove any scale that forms and seems to work for them on copper, but air cooling will make them slightly softer. Choose what works for you.) I would clean the MC well, rebuild it after inspecting for leaks or signs of deterioration and reinstall. I would also put a paper towel under the master cylinder and inspect for leaks after the work was done. The reservoir is soldered together and, if the job was not done well, that can be a source of leaks. Les
Les Bengtson

Thanks Ken & Les,

I'm installing a new master cylinder I got from Brit-Tek. I'm hoping I can find some copper washers of the same size around town here. If not I'll order them.
Since there was only (1) washer on the old one I suspect that may be a source of some of the leakage.
There was also fluid coming out around the piston when clutch was engaged.

Rick
Rick Bartell

This thread was discussed on 05/12/2001

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