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I think I know what the problem is.

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JPSmit

JPSmit

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I have been having clutch problems since last year. I would get the clutch nice and hard and it would slowly loose feel and eventually the clutch itself. Two weeks ago Mrs JP and I had a lovely day driving to wineries in and about Niagara. Got home, went to a cruise night and came home with no clutch - again. So, determined to get to the root of it, today I took out the entire clutch hydraulic system. Look what I found. Purple is (DOT5) from the master, the cr*p is from the slave - and I haven't opened up the slave, that was just in the cup. So, do you think it might be the slave?

So, what have we learned? 1. There definitely is truth to the reports that DOT5 turns some seals spongey. ( the master is fine!) 2. Never assume that because you fixed one end that it is that end - it could be the other end. 3. Never assume that because you fixed it that obviously it will break because after all, you fixed it.

so, time for a rebuild and onward through the fog! Will keep you posted.

oh, and if you disconnect the hose, and thread on a bolt (a Vauxhall seatbelt bolt works fine - and I just know you each have at least one in the toolbox) it is easy to put a screwdriver against and tap the whole thing out.

IMG_20140701_164221_767_zpsnwh6a23w.jpg
 
Why is it that the clutch system on British cars is such a pain....a Land Rover friend of mine has to renew the rubber parts every two years.
Can't someone manufacture the rubber parts out of a material that will last more than two ticks of the New Year.
Scott in CA
 
I replaced the master & slave on my wife's Datsun 210 a couple years ago, such an easy job and bled good in about 5 minutes.
Wish I could say that about my Midget.
Replaced Midget master, already had the Datsun slave on my 5 speed tranny, days of bleeding later I had a clutch.
Now it's going soft again, I hate the think the seals are getting soft and that's why but I fear that's it.
 
what I don't get is DOT5 is in common usage everywhere, if this were typical in newer cars the lawsuit line would extend literally across national borders. I know it was an issue with old rubber - all I can think is that it is "lowest bidder - jobbers" for new.
 
I recall having DOT5 newer cars in the shop for normal maintenance brake jobs.
3 and 4 are hydroscopic, absorb water. Change it once in a while, you flush the water out.
5 is not.
What happens?
Normal water from the atmosphere, condensation (you think brake parts get hot, then cold?) and you have water that puddles in the bottom of the bores...and rusts the crXp out of them.
There are specific warning on some Brit rubber brake parts...as in, never, ever use DOT5. Eats the seals.
My Jag had that warning from the supplier.
Do.
Not.
He.
Said.
Ever.
 
well, the plot thickens - or thins as the case may be. Got the slave apart tonight and the rubber looks just fine. However, the bore is quite pitted - so, I suspect that what has happened is that the bore has acted a little like sandpaper and, over time has worn off bits of the seal causing a leak. So, time for a new Slave.
 
By the time the bore looks bad it's usually too late to hone and for $20 it really doesn't make much sense anyway. Funny (funny peculiar that is) how the DOT5 stuff works. I have always believed it should not be used in Brit brakes and my Saab manual warns not to use it, DOT4 only. But I used it in the VW when I got the car and completely replaced all the brakes. It has been in there since '96 with absolutely no problems.
 
Well I've been shouting the virtue's of Dot 5 for quite a while. I fitted it to my MGB in the 1970's when it first came out and that car is still around and still running the same brake system with that same fluid....doubt that would have been possible with Dot 4. Since I recently had to rebuild the master on my BE because of swelled cup's I may be changing my mind. It may be different rubber formulation's that are the problem but the next brake job I do will be back to Dot 4.

Kurt.
 
JP, if you were driving around wine country, you probably just about drove by my place. Next time you're out this way, drop by.

In 50 odd years of driving British cars, I have never had any hydraulic related clutch problems.

Have used most fluids at various times, but, mostly use Dot3 now, and, just flush it once a year.
 
BWA said:
JP, if you were driving around wine country, you probably just about drove by my place. Next time you're out this way, drop by..
Click to expand...

I would love to. I am very very interested to see you HB as well as the other projects. Besides I have a ton of spares for it that I am going to be letting go cheap - like a beer or a Timmies or something. :smile: after all, now that I have seen your garage, I know you have space.
 
Just email me directly. bwapenrose@Hotmail.com

Yeah, could use some bits and pieces. Got the front brakes apart, and, need some 3/4" brake rubbers.

Need a clutch cable, front window rubber, and, a complete wiper assembly. Those are the main bits I need.
 
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