MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Happy Day

Just had to renew a brake cylinder and shoes due to leak. A couple of weeks ago I fitted a remote brake reservoir and it is now a doddle to bleed the brakes, don't have to worry about sucking in air as I can see the level.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Hi Ray,

Any chance of further details? Did you use a kit from a Morris Minor or make one up yourself. Does the tube from the remote reservoir fit into the screwed cap on top of the master cylinder? If it does how does the pipe clear the floor board?

Cheers

Jan
J Targosz

Morris Minor kit. On the MM it goes into the cylinder blank plug but this is fouled on the TF by the chassis. They supply a solid plug for the filler/vent which I tapped 3/8" BSF using a brake banjo and adaptor for the supply pipe. There is just enough room under the floorboards. I filled the M/C to the brim and screwed in the new plug. I jacked up the front of the car as high as I could to prevent airlocks when I filled the system. The new reservoir is mounted on a 1" spacer on the tool box above where the wiring comes through.
OK it is not original but my wife who pumps the pedal thinks it is great.
Ray
Ray Lee

Thanks Ray,

I have now seen some pics on line of both a Morris and MG conversion. There is one with a banjo fitted to the end plug which allows sufficient clearance for the MG. I suspect however that the master cylinder will need to be released to get the thread on the banjo bolt to start. I have some spare banjos and will see what clearance there is when I get back from the Classic Car Show this weekend. The mod in the on line pics shows the new fluid container fitted inside the under bonnet tool box. Looks to be a neat idea. It isn't only convenience. I think safety is an important issue. I always check the brake fluid level in our every day car each time I give it a wash. I wonder how often T series owners lift the carpet, loosen the cover and then take a spanner to the master cylinder filler plug. Oh and then search for a torch!

Cheers

Jan
J Targosz

My remote reservoir kit does not foul up on the chassis but it is a tight squeeze. The Morris Minor kits use a sweaty rubber hose which is not fit for purpose. My kit uses stainless steel braided Teflon hose and fittings.

Regards
Declan


Declan Burns

The reservoir sits on the J bolt from the battery retainer bracket.



Declan Burns

The kit:
Individual parts also available

Regards
Declan


Declan Burns

Hi Declan,

Is there sufficient space to the get the banjo bolt started in the screw thread without releasing the master cylinder?

Your kit is impressive.

Jan

J Targosz

Jan,
As you have to drain off most of the brake fluid it is just as easy to undo the M/C retaining bolts and slide the M/C back and tilt it downwards to install the blanking plug, banjo bolt, banjo and the copper washers. It is best to loosen the original blanking plug while the M/C is still in place and vice versa. The hose is supported with a P-clip fitted to the pedal box. No drilling required.

Regards
Declan
Declan Burns

Hi Declan,

I've just been lying under the floor to inspect my MC and it appears to have a round blanking plug at the end of the reservoir rather than a hexagon. Will this unscrew with a stillson pipe wrench. Does look as though the MC will have to come out.

Jan
J Targosz

Good question. I fitted a TRW mastercylinder and am pretty sure there is no blanking plug at all, so would have to connect to the top cap. I'm using silicone brake fluid so anticipated less frequent brake bleeding and top ups, however having the additional reserve of a remote reservoir has some appeal.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Jan,
The round plugs, which usually have a tapered thread, will unscrew but I would think you would have to remove the M/C to get any decent leverage on it. The hexagonal plugs have a straight thread are not available. I did have a supply of second hand ones which I think are all sold.
Round plugs are available from Abingdon spares which is the only source I can find. I have a small stock of them but the hexagonal plugs I find better.
My old M/C did not have any plug-same as Dave has mentioned.
You could go out the top of the M/C and use a 90° Banjo. Solid M/C caps are available.
You can see the clearance coming out the top on this drawing from measurements on my TD.
Regards
Declan


Declan Burns

just renewed all cylinders and shoes after finding another cylinder starting to leak.
It just took 10 minutes to bleed all cyls without the help of my long suffering wife. The remote reservoir certainly makes a difference. The only down side is that the 2 foot head gives a pressure of 1 psi which overcomes the top hat valve and drips while the cylinders are disconnected. Mind you that stops air entering so maybe not so bad.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Good to know. I installed my remote reservoir as well. I used 3/16 copper and connected to the mastercylinder cap using a banjo fitting - I'll attach a photo, The nut on the inside is held in place with JB Weld, which stops it rotating and seals the vent hole. I am using a Girling remote reservoir at the top end, attached to the spare hole for the battery brace. It all works well, but the relatively modern Girling plastic remote reservoir looks out of period. My plan is to replace that with a metal version - the Austin Healey type would look right. However pricing on that is silly for what it is. After a bit of prompting from Declan Burns I looked for a suitable steel can with a flat top and screw cap to modify. Not many about now, but I found a small can of PVC solvent weld cement that was just right (beware some have plastic caps). With a coat of black paint and a 7/16 UNF fitting on the bottom it will look just right!
Dave H


Dave Hill

Second photo.
Dave H


Dave Hill

This thread was discussed between 08/11/2016 and 11/12/2016

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.