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MG MGA - Master cylinder question

1958 MGA 1500, stock, under restoration.

I'm replacing the master cylinder on my car which I've never had on the road. When I pulled the old leaking master cylinder it was apparent that the brake line was screwed directly into the body.... so no banjo fitting or adaptor. The clutch side had the correct fittings.

My question: is this arrangement OK/safe or should I invest in the correct parts? If the setup is OK then what is the purpose of the banjo fittings?

Thank you for taking the time to consider my problem.

Brian Denis
Brian Denis

After further investigation it looks like I can answer my own question, apparently it's supposed to be that way.

If so then a question is why? Why does the clutch side have a banjo fitting but the brake side doesn't?

Brian Denis
Brian Denis

Where are you in Massachusetts?

To answer your question...I would say the clutch slave must require more fluid volume than the brake cylinders to activate the clutch slave vs brake cylinders.

Hows that?
S

The clutch pipe has to be larger than the brake pipe to transfer more fluid faster for fast action of the clutch. The banjo fitting makes the thread size transition, and also changes direction of the pipe, which may be easier for wrenching (maybe).

It is also possible to assemble it with an in-line adapter fitting to transition the thread size and eliminate the banjo bolt. I have seen this recently, and it looks cleaner without the banjo bolt and two copper sealing washers. Either way it is difficult to wrench behind the master cylinder. Easier if you dismount the master cylinder and pull it forward to do the wrenching. The steel pipes are flexible enough to do that.
Barney Gaylord

Hi Steve, I'm in Newburyport.

I'm no engineer so now that I know this is the way the system was designed I'll go with it.

Your answer is as good as any. I was thinking maybe it was for easier access to the port since the rear of the master cylinder is difficult to get at.

Brian Denis
Brian Denis

I have used banjos on both sides of the MC. It is much easier to access the banjo bolts to tighten them than trying to use the standard fitting. IIRC the bracket has to be relieved slightly to allow the brake banjo to sit flat and seal to the MC.
dominic clancy

Oh ya....I asked where you were before....De ja vu!

I just remembered! I hope they figure out how to cure Alzheimer's...I think I'm going to need the treatment in the future!
S

This thread was discussed on 22/09/2016

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