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T-Series Clutch woes

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DanZ

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Greetings!
I have a 78 MGB which hasn't been out of the garage for four years (long story). Anyway, I replaced the clutch master and slave cylinders with new ones and still need to "pump" the clutch when I first start it up. I have bled it at least three times. Could it be the flex hose (the only thing I haven't replaced)? I'm going to be at UML's Summer Party this weekend and would like to hash this out before I leave on Friday.

Safety Fast!
Dan Z.
 
Just to get the obligitory first question out of the way, did you bench bleed the master cylinder before you installed it?
 
As mentioned in another thread - did you bech bleed the master cylinder before you installed it on the automobile? - If not there's probably still air in the circuit - The flex hose could be bad but would give itself away by peeing a puddle of brake fluid on the floor when you pump the pedal.

Hydraulics can be maddening, but have patience - you'll work it out. Somebody else in the forum will be along directly to add their view - among all of us somebody's gotta have the solution.

Bob M
 
Bench bleeding is carried out by clamping the master cylinder in a vise, screwing a short length of brake line ( or 2 if it's a dual line system) into the output holes and routing them up and into the fluid reservoir of the MC. - fill the reservoir with brake fluid and pump the actuaing rod on the front of the cylinder - you'll see air in the MC bubble out of the lines into the fluid in the reservoir - keep pumping slowly until no more air is visible - install the MC on the car with the dummie lines in place and then replace them with the cars brake lines and proceed to bleed in the normal manner -

If you don't bench bleed the MC chances are you'll not get all the air out and you'll have a spongey pedal.
 
No chance of me doing this with the MC still in the car, is there?
 
Sure, make up a set of dummy lines, route em into the reservoir and proceed as described in the earlier post with the aid of an assitant either pumping the pedal slowly, holding it on the floor for a few seconds, and repeating or outside watching for air in the reservoir fluid - The advantage to bench bleeding is that you can tilt the cylinder slightly so most or all the air flees uphill and is easier to evaculate and it's much neater and can be done without assistance, but I guess "bench" bleeding it in the car would work -

Just remember to admonish the pumper in the car to go easy and slow - too much enthusiasm will result in brake fluid going everywhere - Not really to good for paintwork or people

good luck!...let us know how it works out -

P.S. It's still not too late to replace the flexible hose - if it's worn and wimpy the increased pressure from new hydraulic cylinders could cause it to rupture, then you may have to go through all this fun stuff again!
 
I wish I had found this forum last week . . .
I think I'll limp it along this weekend, pick up the flex hose at Summer Party, and do it right when I get home.
Thanks to all!
 
I blew off the club meeting tonight and bench bled the MC (with it in the car). Works like a charm!

Thanks a bunch! If anybody is going to Grand Rapids, I'll see you there! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

edited to correct spelling.
 
Dan,

When you get to the meet look for a guy with a booth/table named British Tool Company - his name is Robb Nortier and he's a great guy to know and do business with - Please tell him Bob Marsh sends his regards!

Enjoy the meet - glad you got the clutch sorted out! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
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