brakes/clutch fluid out top of brake reservoir

[richberman]

So I took my Healey out for a few drives. see videos here:
driving on father's day and each time I returned I noticed brakes fluid collecting around the rim of the brakes reservoir and some splattered onto the exhaust manifold and steering column. The fluid level is still at the top, but this repeated itself on each drive. So we finally put a rag on top to sop it up. So what's going on?
FWIW, I changed the fronts brakes to disks, rears are still original but rebuilt drums, used BJ8 new master cylinders, new reservoir and new Lockhead servo.
thanks for any ideas.
rich

 

[EV2239]

Is it just that you've slightly overfilled it.

Ash

 

[Keoke]

So what's going on?


Still may have some air in the system

 

[Bob_Spidell]

The 'foot valve' in the M/C seals off the supply line to the reservoir when you apply brakes. If this doesn't seal you could get a geyser in the reservoir but, usually, you'll have brake problems--have to pump the pedal--as well.

You should allow some head room in the reservoir as the fluid--like any fluid--will expand and contract with temperature.

 

[DerekJ]

Can be something as simple as a poor gasket fit.

 

[stevebt7]

I had a less severe problem with brake fluid seeping from the top of the reservoir. Replacing the standard gasket did not help. I then tried Moss's splashroof seal (#582-505) and have not had a drop of brake fluid seeping or leaking. This seal is much more expensive ($10) but has worked perfectly for me. Assuming that nothing else is amiss with your brake system, you may want to try this seal.

 

[richberman]

I'll re-bleed first. If that doesn't solve the problem then I'll try the no-leak gasket. I purchased the pressure bleeder from Bavarian auto and according to Randy's pictures it screws directly onto the threads of the reservoir. For some reason, mine doesn't have matching threads? What's up with that?
thanks for all the help!
rich

 

[Lin]

Rich,
From my website: "Adding fluids and lubrication was next on my list. Many on the email list had suggested using a HELP product #42072 to replace the original rubber gasket in the brake reservoir cap to avoid brake fluid “spray” getting to the paint. I purchased and installed the gasket and it does fit perfectly and provides a nice tight seal to the canister. I then proceeded to purge the air from the brake and clutch lines by bleeding the system. It is not that this job is hard, but I hate it! Brake fluid is messy stuff and paint does not like it."

As I recall, I picked up this HELP product from my local Advance or Autozone store. Worked perfectly and never had a problem.

Lin

 

[GregW]

Here is a thread from 7 years ago. Page 2 has a photo of the diaphragm with the Help package in one of my posts. That post reminded me of Dave Russell :frown:

 

[Lin]

Hey Greg,
Thanks for resurrecting that thread. I remember it, but re-read it all again. What a great recollection of Dave Russell. Always SO helpful and unassuming, but he clearly forgotten all that I have ever learned about Healeys.
Lin

 

[BoyRacer]

When you say the fluid level is still at the top - do you mean the top of the reservoir - like just below the cap? If that's the case I think you have way too much fluid in the can.

 

[richberman]

Richard,
If I drive it a few more times the level should be just about right...
rich