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HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

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jaybird

jaybird

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My husband's out of town for 10 days & I don't have a 'mechanic' other than him. Here's the issue:

A couple days ago I drove my '75 MGB a short distance. After I got home, I noticed some 'grease' on the toe of my left shoe. I didn't think much about it, thinking maybe I smudged it on something.

Yesterday I took a 25 minute drive to visit my mother-in-law and basically spent the day tooling around. When I made my first stop at my mother-in-law's, I had another spot (on another pair of shoes) Black, oily stuff on the toe of my left shoe.

Knowing very little about cars beyond how to change a tire & where the fluids are & how to check them - I need some input guys. It's more 'oil' than a thick grease, black, and obviously dripping, from the look of my shoe. I felt around under there where the pedals are and where they go up into the dash thing. The stuff is coming from the clutch pedal.

The drippy stuff doesn't seem to be constant. After that initial drive to my mil's, I didn't notice any new oily stuff on my shoe the remainder of the day, and I had the car out 5 hours or so.

A) What is this?
B) My husband is gone 10 days, is the car drivable?
C) Can I (or do I need to) add some kind of fluids somewhere?
 
I would guess it is clutch fluid and you m/c is leaking. The car is driveable as long as it is not pouring out and you take it easy with the clutch and make sure the fluid doesn't get to low. Technically you don't even need a clutch to drive it.
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

I agree but you might get it off your shoes as soon as possible. If it is isn't silicon fluid, it could take the finish off some shoes. And don't wipe it up and lay the rag on the car paint. It can eat that too but usually will take a little time.
Bob
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

Thanks guys! Was a BRAND new pair of shoes too. And you know how us women are about our shoes. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Now, without sounding completely female, where do I check the clutch fluid? And if it's low, I just go to Auto Zone and tell them I need clutch fluid for a '75 MGB?

I'm learning, really I am. Slowly but surely.
 

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Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

If you go to Auto Zone and ask for "clutch fluid for a '74 MGB" they will call the guys in white jackets. None of the juveniles at any of the Auto Zones in my metroplex can spell MG. I had one ask me; "Who makes that?, Ford or Toyota?" At O'Reilly, the child behind the counter said, "Eemmm Geee?"... "whut?". Another one at Auto Zone once said, "There's a parts store in Lavon that carries mostly German stuff, they will have it." Then one even said "we have a lot of American parts for Toyota, Nissan, and Chevy but none of the stuff for antiques".
Also many of the guys at almost all auto parts store will say, "Use brake fluid; It's the same thing". USE MANUAL CLUTCH FLUID... it is different.
I enjoy the reaction that I get when I ask for something for an MG or Triumph but I am insulted when they say that their parts for Jaguar are just Ford in a different box.

"Black oily stuff", I agree with the guys that it might be clutch fluid but the "black" color worries me a little. If it is black ... it needs to be looked at by a proper mechanic. Black means it is old and dirty AND that the seals are deteriorating (thus the black color ... from the rubber mixing in the fluid). Dark brown fluid in brake or clutch would mean it is old and contaminated. Black means the rubber seals or "O" rings are disintegrating; and that would lead to a leak.
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

OOps... where do you check? The best thing to do is get a manual and look carefully. But in general, the brake and clutch reservoirs are just above the brake and clutch pedals but under the bonnet and on the firewall. You can usually tell which is which but if it is hard to tell... have someone move one pedal (brake or clutch) and see which lever is going into and out of (as you move the pedal) a barrel shaped mechanism. There will be a reservoir attached to that mechanism. I don't have a 74... I have a 76, 78, 79, & 80... but all are very similar. Remove the cap on the reservoir and use a funnel to add some fluid... DO NOT GET IT ON THE PAINT... IF you do; wipe it off immediately. A small funnel will be worth the purchase... I stole mine from the kitchen.
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

Both the clutch and brake resovoirs are right above the pedals inside the engine compartment under the hood. You should know what type of fluid is in there before you add some. Look where your husband might store it and look for a can of brake fluid. This is what goes in there. The clutch master cylinder will will be smaller than the brake cylinder. It has a small opening (at least in mine - a '72) slightly bigger than a soda bottle top but threaded. You will need a small funnel to get it in and just fill it up but not overflowing. Be very careful not to drip any on the paint. Look in there and if you see that it isn't very far down you may be able to wait until he gets home.
Or you may want to wait anyway depending how much you need to drive the MG. All that can happen is the clutch will fail to disinguage and can easily be fixed when he gets home. If there isn't a lot of fluid leaking it could drip for awhile before the clutch goes.
Bob
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

I agree with Bob's assement /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif

Be sure to check both the brake and the clutch tanks...they both use the same brake fluid, but you should know which type is in them (DOT 3, 4 or 5) before you add them. If you can't find a can in the garage, I would wait to ask your hubbby the next time he calls or emails...I am assuming he does being away from home for 10 days /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

It's futile to tell someone to "not drive your B", so my advise is to get an old pair of shoes and enjoy (and maybe a drip cup for the inside when it's parked). Good Luck!
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

The drip cup might work to save the carpet. Also maybe a plastic bag over your shoe while you are driving such as a large zip loc bag.
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

I had the same problem with my Midget -- on my brand new white leather K-Swiss shoes. Everyone is correct, it was dirty clutch fluid from bad seals in my master cylinder. After parts for less that $10 from Moss and a rebuild, everything works great and no more drips. Good luck. Cindy
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

Okay. Thanks again. It's great, how helpful & knowledgeable everyone is here!

First, I've had the car 1 week today, so we don't have all that stuff laying around yet.

Second, hubby is on a fishing trip, I don't expect to hear from him unless there is a problem. And...this is MY car, my baby, I want to be able to take care of it. And not depend on a man /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif to do things like change the oil & check fluids. At least the minor things...doubt I'll be rebuilding trannys or clutches. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Third, you're SO right usasma, it is futile to attempt to tell me not to drive my B. I've had it a week, and put 400 miles on her just putting around. I've already been out to the garage to 'look' at it twice this morning. And my late model Toyota sits on the street, like a forgotten stepchild. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm off today, I'm going to check the fluid levels, see what I can figure out and do on my own. Replacing seals will have to wait until hubby comes back next week. I'm confused a bit though, is brake fluid and clutch fluid the same thing or not? And I'm not sure what's been used in the car (other than oil) because I've only had it a week. I think I'll make a quick call to the previous owner and ask.

Thanks again for all the help!
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

Sorry, no offence intended, not knowing the situation...now with a little more info, I suggest you buy some DOT 4 Brake fluid (which is usually used in BOTH the Brakes and Clutch) and top off the clutch master cylinder and the brake MC if it needs it. Since you are going to rebuild the MC anyhow, you will prob drain the whole system and refill anyhow, then you can decide what to use. If you can check with the PO, he (or she) can probably advise you what is in the systems now DOT 3,4 or 5.

Meawhile, try depressing the clutch as little as possible when driving ...both pedal distance and frequency.

Good luck

Bruce
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

Was no offense taken Bruce. Takes a lot to offend me! I'm grateful for all the suggestions.
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

Okay. See attached picture. There seems to be some leakage around that yellowish cap, but down below is dry, and the clutch pedal is dry today.

And what's that black box? And in front of the black box (to the left in the picture) - is that the master cylinder?

I'm trying to learn, but geez, worrying about if it LOOKS good is a lot easier than worrying about if it runs good!!!
 

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Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

Fluid levels are good, and the fluids are clearish, not dark or black like what was dripping off the clutch pedal. I can't find any area of leakage around the brake or clutch reservoirs, other than at the cap in the picture I attached above. I think I'm okay. At least until Chuck gets home to look at it closer!
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

[ QUOTE ]

And what's that black box? And in front of the black box (to the left in the picture) - is that the master cylinder?


[/ QUOTE ]

The black box is called the pedal box. It contains the fulcrums and the "working end" of the brake and clutch pedals. Inside there is where the leak point will be.
In front in the left is the brake master cylinder. The clutch master cylinder is that "Beer Can with a lid" looking thing in the middle of your picture.
If you remove the screws you see in the top of the pedal box and pull that cover off, you should be able to see where your drip is. Then a little extrapolation should tell you where it is leaking. My guess is the rubber boot (gaiter) has filled with brake fluid over time and has now erroded to the point that it has ruptured and you are seeing the mixture of Brake fluid and rubber. (By the way, in case you haven't figured it out clutch fluid is brake fluid and vice versa. the problem might be compatability between the various types.)
Since the reservoir is full and clear, you probably don't have much of a problem right now (other than protecting those shoes!) Check under the lid of the peddle box, maybe you can wipe something off. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Mike
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

[ QUOTE ]

The black box is called the pedal box. It contains the fulcrums and the "working end" of the brake and clutch pedals. Inside there is where the leak point will be.
In front in the left is the brake master cylinder. The clutch master cylinder is that "Beer Can with a lid" looking thing in the middle of your picture.
If you remove the screws you see in the top of the pedal box and pull that cover off, you should be able to see where your drip is. Then a little extrapolation should tell you where it is leaking. My guess is the rubber boot (gaiter) has filled with brake fluid over time and has now erroded to the point that it has ruptured and you are seeing the mixture of Brake fluid and rubber. (By the way, in case you haven't figured it out clutch fluid is brake fluid and vice versa. the problem might be compatability between the various types.)
Since the reservoir is full and clear, you probably don't have much of a problem right now (other than protecting those shoes!) Check under the lid of the peddle box, maybe you can wipe something off. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Mike

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Mike. I did take the cover off, put it right back on. That was enough mechanics for this girl for one day! Besides I had to leave to go work phone banks. I'm going to take a good look at it tomorrow evening. Would be cool, if there is a problem, that I could have it fixed myself...before Mr. Mechanic comes home! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
Re: HELP! Black drippy stuff on toe...

Good for you JayBird! My wife is just now learning how to take care of her "baby" (a 1964 VW Bug) and she loves it!
 
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