[Healeys] clutch master cylinder problem

[WILLIAM B LAWRENCE]

The Girling master cylinders have a non-return valve on the fluid return 
port at the end of the bore that is closed when the piston is pushed 
forward. If there is not sufficient free play in the linkage sometimes the 
non-return valve does not open on release. There must be at least 1/16" of 
free play at the cylinder when the clutch pedal is released or you will 
experience symptoms much like you have described.

My experience with Girling alloy components is that the cylinders are rarely 
damaged and can be rebuilt as long as the bores are smooth. They are pretty 
simple and with a little study and understanding of theory you should be 
able to rebuild it as well as a new one, or better depending on the 
supplier's quality control.

Bill Lawrence


>From: "Steve B. Gerow" <steveg at abrazosdata.com>
>To: Healeys Newsgroup <healeys at autox.team.net>
>Subject: [Healeys] clutch master cylinder  problem
>Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:04:51 -0800
>
>In the course of rebuilding my clutch, I've discovered I must have rebuilt
>the clutch master incorrectly.
>
>My clutch stays locked up because even with the pedal in the retracted
>position, the circuit is not open and the hydraulic fluid is not able to
>flow uphill to the reservoir. This caused a new 18 month old clutch to 
>start
>slipping. Small wonder.
>
>Therefore when installing my new BJ8 clutch in my Smitty setup, I observed 
>I
>could push down on the clutch pedal, but when I took my foot off the pedal,
>the operating lever retracted little if all.
>
>I have an old brake master cyl on the bench and, blowing through one port,
>observed there's an open circuit between the input connector and the 
>output.
>If the pushrod is pushed in even a slight amount, the circuit is blocked.
>
>Will be removing the cylinder from the car and testing it for the open
>circuit and if not, figuring out why the circuit isn't open.
>
>I realize the argument here is why rebuild the things in the first place if
>you can by a new one for X amount, but what the hell, it seemed like a good
>idea at the time.
>--
>Steve Gerow
>Pasadena CA
>59 BN6