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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Tranny Slave cyl bleeding?

I have a Datsun 5 speed installed in my Bugeye and my clutch pedal is just about to the floor before it will let me shift. I was just wondering if there is a simple way to bleed the slave cylinder. My brakes are fine so the master cylinder is fine and has plenty of fluid. I seem to remember someone mentioning something about installing some kind of bleeder extension so you do not have to crawl under the vehicle.

I would appreciate any and all help.

Thanks Folks.

Joe
Joe Shaw

Hey Joe,

It seems some posts get orphaned here. I remember it happening to me my first couple of posts. I dont have first hand knowledge of your set up but I did see a post where they mentioned using a bicycle pump to pressurize the clutch master. You pressurize the clutch master and it forces the air out of the clutch slave. If you look in the archive you will probably find some info. Hopefully someone more knowledgable on the subject will post soon.

My trick on mgb clutch slaves was to have someone pump the peddle slowly before I installed it.

Have them go real easy on the peddle as you can push the piston out of the slave. I use my thumb as resistance to check the piston travel. Once It gets to an acceptable amount of travel I install it.

Its probably not as easy as pressurizing the master
but its another way to get the job done.

Good luck Im sure someone will chime in here!

Steven Devine

Hi Joe,
I think this or a similar subject was discussed fairly recently so have a look at other threads or in the Archives

(sorry I can't remember the suggestions but wouldn't be able to explain them properly anyway)
Nigel Atkins

I wonder where all the Einstiens that love to post there 2 cents worth are?

Hello you, yes you, I know you have read this thread down to here!

Help this guy out!
Steven Devine

Gday Joe I assume you've checked all the other things it could be i.e. worn throw out bearing/linkages, worn driven plate etc.????, If so I don't think there is any option apart from cracking open the bleed screw and bleeding it, fluid either has to come down through the slave cylinder or up to the MC. Sorry mate
Rod
R W Bowers

Thanks Steven for trying to rally the gang to help me out. I appreciate how boring it must be to keep answering the same dumb questions over and over.
I am really at my wits end trying to figure this problem out. This is a rebuilt Datsun tranny with a new clutch pressure plate and slave. I get fluid thru the slave and the push rod moves about a inch when the clutch pedal is depressed. I just can't get the pedal to engage the clutch unless it is within a inch of the floor. I have tried adjusting the linkage at the dual Master cylinder.

I am doing something wrong but I don't know what.


Joe Shaw

Joe
Ive installed the ford five speed in triumphs and mgs but I havent done one for spridgets yet. Maybe you would have more luck if you repost it as "trouble with Datsun tranny install" Or something like that. There are a lot of guys on here running that set up. I wish I could be more help.
Steven Devine

Is the clutch arrangement that is used with a Datsun tranny the same as a standard A series and rib-case box? The reason I ask is that for a standard car, the slave cylinder push rod only has to move through 1/2" to 5/8" inch to fully disengage the clutch. Joe, I think you are saying that yours is moving a full inch, which would suggest to me that it may be something else that is wrong, rather than it needing to be bled. Is this a problem that has developed slowly, or has there been some sudden change or new work done?

Also, I would first check carefully around the slave cylinder to see if there is any evidence of fluid leakage. Carefully lift the edge of the rubber dust cover and see if there is fluid under there that has leaked past the seal to the "wrong" side of the piston.

If you do want to take the opportunity of fitting a remote bleed point, the easy way is to use a rear flexible brake hose - that is the rubber hose that connects from the hard line at the rear of the transmission tunnel across to the 3 way connector on the dif. It has the right threads on the ends to screw direct into the bleed nipple tapping on the clutch slave cylinder, and to receive the bleed nipple to seal the other end. And it's long enough to lead up to somewhere around the rear of the engine where it is accessible from under the bonnet. A braided steel version would work equally well, and look neater. You just need to make a little bracket to secure the upper end.
Guy W

Thanks for all the help I received about this problem. Since the slave is functioning and shows no sign of leakage I guess I will just live with my problem child for now. If it gets any worse then I will have to pull the engine and tranny and go from there.

Thanks, Guy, for the info you furnished about relocating the bleed valve. I will be sure to do that because with the Datsun tranny there is no room to get your hand up between the chasse rail and the slave to do anything.

Cheers

Joe
Joe Shaw

This thread was discussed between 24/06/2013 and 28/06/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.