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Spitfire master brake cylinder leaks

To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Spitfire master brake cylinder leaks
From: "George Fisher" <HW1.GFISHER@HW1.CAHWNET.GOV>
Date: 17 Mar 1996 19:42:19 PST
Comment: HW1 GFISHER 03/17/96 19:42:48 HW1SSW1
I think I saw a thread on this a month or so ago, so I apologize in advance
for not archiving the previous messages...

I rebuilt the brake master cylinder on my '72 Spitfire last weekend with a
genuine Lucas kit from The Roadster Factory. Everything came apart and went
together just fine--but yesterday I discovered a slow leak on the seal between
the reservoir and the cylinder (right over the tipper valve). That sorta ticks
me off because I spent several minutes with a small electrical screwdriver
carefully removing some rust that had formed on that seat... I thought it
looked PERFECT before I put in the new seals and reassembled it.

I tightened the screws that hold the reservoir to the cylinder evenly and
snugly--I don't think that tightening them will stop the leak. I think I read
that it's OK to use a little RTV silicon on these O-rings to prevent leaking,
yes? If that's not appropriate, what would the wisdom of the list advise?

...and speaking of RTV, I'm amazed at the variety of gasketing and adhesive
compounds available today. Back when I was a boy (early 60's), the old
mechanics I hung out with distained using ANYTHING between parts except an
OEM gasket. In dire emergencies, they might use a dab of white grease to
hold things together during assembly, but they looked down their noses at
anything like Permatex. Now it seems like you don't even NEED a real gasket.

How do I learn the proper application for each of these miracle products?

Thanks for the help...



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