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rcrolley

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Hello World,

This is my first post to any forum ever! I just pickup up a 79 midget after not fooling with cars for the last 20 years. Since the last time I had a British car (1970 GT6+) somebody invented the Internet. I found this forum while searching for a slave cylinder rebuild kit for the MG. Besides the MG I also have a 88 Jag XJ6 which broke down 10 years ago and sits in the back yard. Part of getting the MG which I got for 1,500 dalloars or should I say $1000 and $500 for the new convertible top and tonnuae cover was agreeing to fix up the Jag for my wife (they told her what to dream). Anyway I am a computer guy for a living and I love old helpless stuff that could be made to work again. I like blacksmithing, guitar, painting, and in general contemplating life after a few beers. Right now I am trying to get the slave cylinder off of my Midget, I got the bottom bolt out but can't reach the top one with anything and am kind of stuck. Any experience or ideas would be appreciated.
 
Make yourself at home. You're going to love this board!
welcome.gif
 
Hi RC, welcome aboard. It's a good place to share tips and experience. I have a '77 Midget, and if you haven't removed the slave before, it can be a pain. I assume you mean you got the nut off, but the bolt isn't coming out? There's only one bolt holding it in. If you can't reach the bolt head, I think I invested in a socket wrench with a flexible head. Once the bolt is out, a big crescent wrench or vice grips (A very useful tool for british car owners, along with the hammer :smile:) can grab the end of the slave to twist it out of the hole. It's not threaded, just frozen.

One thing I learned the hard way is if you take the slave out, you WILL have to bleed it when you put it back in, even if you didn't touch the hydraulics. The pushrod forms a tight seal with the dust boot, and it builds up an air pocket when you push the slave cylinder back in. This air pocket will find its way past the seal once you work the clutch a few times. Let's just say I was surprised when my clutch suddenly wouldn't release all the way when I did this. It worked a couple of times, but then I couldn't put the car in gear.

-Dave
 
Welcome to the post. I am currently restoring a 74 B (the B stands for boneyard in my case). Everyone here has been very helpful in my effort in bringing my "B" back from the dead. I think you will like it here. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
RC, welcome to the sanest asylum on the net.
Tons of knowledge, opinions and being for LBC owners, a healthy infusion of civility and good spirits. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Welcome RC ... glad you have found us. This is a nice group and most here are full of it ... good information that is. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif You'll save a lot of wasted time if you utilize this group, as someone here is always eager to help or point you in the right direction.

[ QUOTE ]
If you can't reach the bolt head, I think I invested in a socket wrench with a flexible head.

[/ QUOTE ]
On the subject of flexible socket heads ... I've recently discovered the 'wobble head' extensions for your socket set. (a steal for $8.99) I've used mine set so much I might as well throw my brand name standard extensions away! I think they are one of the most useful and cheapest additions to a toolbox that I have found in a long time; right up there with WD40 and Duct Tape!
 
Welcome! Sorry I don't have a suggestion for your slave cyc. Just keep at it.
 
Welcome aboard.
If I remember correctly, from my '78, the pinch bolt holding the slave in, drops through from the top. The housing is shaped so that it fits against one of the flats on the bolt. Once the bottom nut is off, the bolt just slip out from the top. If it has been in for a while, you may have to hammer it out.

I don't know what you mean by bottom bolt. There is only one bolt holding the slave in place. When the bolt is removed, the slave should slide out. It is possible that the slave has seized to the bell housing. If so, you will need muscle and penetrating oil to get it out.

By the way, I also have a XJ6, 1989.

Mike
 
Welcome aboard! I'm in the early stages of restoration on my B as well, and I think you'll find everyone here invaluably helpful and incredibly friendly. While my slave cylinder wasn't in need of a rebiuld or replacement, I'm sure you'll find dozens who have done just what you have, and will be more than happy to share their lessons. My current task is the replacement of floor & rocker panels. Luckily I weld - or unluckily - might just be easier to farm it out, but I like doing the work myself. Like you, I too enjoy working on old helpless stuff that could be made to work again.
Again, welcome and enjoy!
 
As you have no doubt noticed this is a very friendly and helpful place. I hope we have many opportunities to help each other out over the coming years. Welcome. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
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