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MG MGA - Slaves! & Fluid!

Hi All,

I have three questions that I have tried to look up but have not found an answer to, so here goes:

1. clutch slave cylinders – Moss offers a Lockheed unit and an aftermarket unit for about 60% of the cost. Has anyone any experience with either of these units and can they recommend which is better to use?

2. Brake slave cylinders – Moss also offers the Lockheed unit and an aftermarket unit and again there is quite a large price difference. Has anyone any experience with these two units?

3. Brake fluid – Should I be able to use any DOT 3 or Dot 4 fluid from my local auto supply shop? I have no idea what is in the system at present but I doubt it is synthetic.

I discovered a slow leak in the clutch slave cylinder over the weekend and when inspecting the brake and clutch system found a seized brake slave cylinder along with the dodgy clutch slave. I have a large order from Moss shipping later today and want to add these items to it.

Thank you in advance.

Roy.
R. Maher

Roy

If I remember correctly a quick check for the type of existing brake fluid is to put a couple of drops into a glass of water. If it mixes it is NOT silicone.

You should be able to use any DOT3 or DOT4 fluid. Many people recommend Castrol LMA (low moisture absorption).

On the question of Lockheed and after market my guess is that the Lockheed are to original spec and the aftermarket are probably made in Asia. If you don't get a better response on this thread before you submit your order call Moss and ask them what the difference is. If the salesperson doesn't know have them transfer you to someone who does, such as Craig Cody. And let us know what you find out.

Larry
58A

Larry Hallanger

Roy,
Don't know anthing about the Moss aftermarket cylinders. Before I spent $50 or $100 on a new clutch slave, I would remove the old one and examine the bore. The aluminum doesn't seem to corrode as much as the steel brake slaves. If the bore is not scored, you can get a rebuild kit for less than $5.

If you don't know what kind of fluid you have in your system, put a few drops in some water like Larry said. If you have never changed the fluid, it is probably time to flush and replace it. With Dot3 or Dot4, this should be done every year or two.
Jeff

Jeff Schultz

Roy

Take a look at the MGB General Thread: Moss Sale Question and scroll down to the entry by 09 Oct John English for one perspective on Lockheed vs aftermarket hydraulic parts.

Larry
Larry Hallanger

This thread was discussed on 11/10/2005

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