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Q & A: Leaky Master Cylinder

John:

I have replaced the pipe and hose connecting the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder on my chrome bumper 1974 MGB. However, not all of the air can be bled out of the clutch hydraulics. I have found brake fluid leaking where the pipe attaches to the clutch master cylinder.

I've removed and reattached the pipe at the master cylinder several times. The threads appear to be fine. I can tighten the securing nut down to the point where there is not any play between the pipe and the fitting inside the clutch master cylinder. Applying a non-hardening thread sealer to the threads has not stemmed the flow of fluid where the pipe threads enter the clutch master cylinder body. I'm concerned about stripping the threads because of the amount of torque needed to tighten the securing nut. The pipe was purchased from one of the major MGB parts suppliers.

I believe the master cylinder's internals to be ok. I started this project upon finding a leaky clutch hose. While removing the old hose, the clutch pipe broke where it attaches with the hose. The new hose is not leaking at
either of its attachment points.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

George

George!

The banjo fitting at the rear of the clutch master cylinder is sandwiched between two copper washers. Ensure those are there. The steel line should fit snugly into the banjo fitting. Here's what to do first.

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