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MG MGA - Master Cylinder Help?

OK I've a simple question I hope.

My master cylinder has the non-standard pistons which as I understand means it has been overbored and cannot be rebuilt.

I've tried using new gaskets and rubber twice and she still leaks. Also leaking from the threads in the rear.

So I figure I need a new one.

Moss has this as part

# 180-750 $439.95
and # 180-670 $359.95

The later type doesn't come with a top any longer, and I was under the impression that the lower part was the same for all MGAs.

So does anyone know why the price is so different between these two part numbers, and if anyone has ordered a master cylinder does it come complete?

Could I order the cheaper one for the 1500 and use my top (in good shape) to make a 1600 MC?

My thoughts are this would work.

The reason I want to replace is the current MC leaks in the front despite new gaskets and where the pipes thread in the rear, and those threads show signs of wear.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Christopher
Christopher Wilson

Christopher,
Get the 1500 MC and use your old top. You can buy one on Ebay for $218 (Item # 170289670492), or from England for ~$175 delivered (Item # 390029621469).
Jim Ferguson

Make sure you get one with the larger bore for the MGA. The sprite ones work, bit the pedal travel is much longer
dominic clancy

I seem to remember that Scarborough Faire used to sell the oversized seal rebuild kit. Worth a try to ask.....
C Schaefer

Thanks folks.
Christopher
Christopher Wilson

Christopher, Why not just have it sleeved? My understanding of the process is that the MC can be bored larger and a stainless steel sleeve inserted.

I have fitted two in recent years and I'm led to believe that the stainless will outlast the original cast material by many years.

Whoever inserts the sleeve must understand it is necessary to have a small hole drilled in the sleeve, and to align that hole with the corresponding fluid duct at the back of the MC.

Hope this helps. Let us know the outcome. Barry
BM Gannon

What I was told at the time I bought my oversized MC some years ago,is that the internals (pistons etc) are also larger. In reality, this MAY not be the case. I guess I will find out when it is time to rebuild mine.
C Schaefer

I had purchased a MC that had been rebuilt by Scarborough Faire. When I needed replacement seals, they were out of stock and regular ones would not fit. Ended up having Apple rebuild it with sleeves.
David werblow

David,

Who is Apple? Do you have a URL for these folks?

If my original can be salvaged it is always good to have a spare eh?

Thanks,
Christopher
Christopher Wilson

Christopher,

Apple: http://www.applehydraulics.com/

I had mine done by White Post:
http://www.whitepost.com/brake.html

I have had no problems with the sleeved MC. The image is taken 10 years after the sleeving when I replaced the seals for DOT 5 fluid change.

Jim


Jim Ferguson

Most reports I have read here over the years have not given Apple Hydraulics a very good review. I'd also point out that a NEW cylinder is only marginally more expensive than a rebuild, and I'm pretty sure that when the two-way shipping is taken into account that the difference will become minimal.

Isn't your life worth the small cost difference to buy a new one ?????????

Whatever you get, your old top will transfer over, and a new gasket is very cheap too. The top is not safety critical, you just need to make sure all the old gasket is removed and then I'd suggest taking a sheet of fine wet and dry and a flat surface and make sure that it's nice and smooth to guarantee a great seal between the top and the new MC.
dominic clancy

I had mine sleeved when the car was restored. It's been on the road since 2003 with no trouble.
David Breneman

For those that have had them sleeved, where did you get the pistons?

Mine would still have the same pistons, which I can no longer get rebuild kits for, right?

Or is there a source for original pistons out there.

Dominic, the re-build would only be for a spare, and only if it were worth it when it came to $$$$.

Thanks,
Christopher
Christopher Wilson

My sleeved cylinder used the old pistons since the bore was the same as before sleeving. Since your M/C was bored out and "special" pistons installed you may not get it sleeved at all. Special pistons can be made but definitely not worth the trouble.

I agree with Dominic, just get a new one and forget about your old odd size M/C.

Jim
Jim Ferguson

This thread was discussed between 27/03/2009 and 29/03/2009

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