Well, That Was Fun! Clutch Master Cylinder

Rich in Vancouver · 24th March 2023, 02:38

I have made my blood offering to the MGR Gods and it has been accepted.

What the MGR (BMW?) engineer who decided to bury the clutch master cylinder up under the dash was smoking I don't know, but I don't think they could have made access any worse.

Sorry my hosting program is turning the pictures sideways (I love technology!). When I get it sorted out I will add to this post.

Reebs · 24th March 2023, 03:36

As the bottle on the bench says, you are a power bleeder

hogweed · 24th March 2023, 12:15

I spent two days trying to change mine. Well done mate - my failure to replace the one on my car was the straw that broke the camel's back, and the Rover was gone, after 12½ years, within a few days.

I remember spending a weekend trying to do something similar on my BMW M3 about 15 years ago, and exclaiming in frustration when I eventually took it to my local independent BM guy "What kind of ******* fingers do Beemer mechanics have anyway???"

"Sore ones", he said.

Rich in Vancouver · 24th March 2023, 16:27

The power bleeder was a real life saver. I only needed to use a syringe to fill the master once then screwed the adaptor on and pressurised the system for bleeding.
First I bled the master at the QR fitting using a bleed fitting I got from Trikey, then attached the QR fitting and bled from the slave bleeder to see if there was any air in that part of the system. Typically I ran out of fluid and pushed air into the system but after refilling the bleeder I was able to bleed the whole thing at once. That bleeder is worth it's weight in gold!

I was horrified to see the condition of the fluid that came out. It looks like the slave may be the original one and wasn't changed when the clutch was done before I got the car. I'm hoping that it will hold up until the next clutch replacement.

Edit: I translated the German work invoice and apparently they did replace the slave along with the clutch.
The disgusting condition of the fluid must have been due to the master. I imagine that with the quick release clutch line they didn't bleed the clutch after installation.

Here is a sideways pic of the incredibly dirty fluid. I'm very glad I changed it!

Ans, as long as I'm posting sideways pics here is the view through the access hole with teeth!

[URL=http://imgbox.com/Nb3ueDVj]

FLYING BANANA · 24th March 2023, 16:39

Looks to be a delightful job to be done.

Saga Lout · 24th March 2023, 20:11

I put an extra cylinder behind the clocks on my 75, you just pop out the clocks and the cylinder is there, it adds extra capacity to the fluid and makes it so much easier to bleed.

Rich in Vancouver · 25th March 2023, 04:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saga Lout

I put an extra cylinder behind the clocks on my 75, you just pop out the clocks and the cylinder is there, it adds extra capacity to the fluid and makes it so much easier to bleed.

Good idea. I am seriously thinking of doing the same although if I do I think it will go under the scuttle near the ECU. They are available here at a decent price from Wilwood.
When you added the extra reservoir did you just put a fitting in the cap of the existing reservoir and run it to the remote one? And, did you need to run a vent line as well?

BTW: Everything is back together. The clutch works and no leaks. I also replaced the shift cables, changed the engine oil, transmission fluid, and spark plugs, and everything seems to be doing what it should. Test drive tomorrow.

Saga Lout · 25th March 2023, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich in Vancouver

Good idea. I am seriously thinking of doing the same although if I do I think it will go under the scuttle near the ECU. They are available here at a decent price from Wilwood.
When you added the extra reservoir did you just put a fitting in the cap of the existing reservoir and run it to the remote one? And, did you need to run a vent line as well?

BTW: Everything is back together. The clutch works and no leaks. I also replaced the shift cables, changed the engine oil, transmission fluid, and spark plugs, and everything seems to be doing what it should. Test drive tomorrow.

I drilled the existing cap and ran a pipe up to the new one, the new one has its own vent hole in the cap so that was all I needed. it's much easier and adds more capacity to the system should a fault occur.
If anyone is considering a scuttle type feed, have a look at the Fiat Panda/500 set up, it's a similar idea and is small enough to fit in an obscure place.

Rich in Vancouver · 25th March 2023, 22:45

Good information. Thanks Mate!
I'm also a bit concerned about the copper line from the master to the quick release near the bell housing.
On my MGF I used a braided hose in the line to give a bit more flex and may just pick one up to see if it can be installed in the ZT-T. It should just be a matter of finding the proper fittings.
Yes, I am retired and have too much time on my hands!

I took the car out for a test drive today and everything is working as it should.
I may even treat myself to an adult bevvy to celebrate!

roverbarmy · 27th March 2023, 15:41

It was the thought of any clutch problems that made me buy my automatic (plus my dodgy knee, aggravated by the heavy clutch!).

The auto was the icing on the Rover 75 cake in my humble opinion.

If MGR was still here, I would no doubt have a 75 SUV by now! I miss the "wood" and the ride so much! My Tage's 50 mpg helps to make up for it!

24th March 2023, 02:38	#1
Rich in Vancouver Gets stuck in MG ZT-T Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: White Rock, BC on Canada's Pacific Coast Posts: 864 Thanks: 338 Thanked 367 Times in 210 Posts	Well, That Was Fun! Clutch Master Cylinder I have made my blood offering to the MGR Gods and it has been accepted. What the MGR (BMW?) engineer who decided to bury the clutch master cylinder up under the dash was smoking I don't know, but I don't think they could have made access any worse. Sorry my hosting program is turning the pictures sideways (I love technology!). When I get it sorted out I will add to this post. __________________ ZT-T190, Anthracite, LHD, Left the Line on June 24, 2002, Sold new in Switzerland, spent time in Germany, Imported to Canada in September 2021 Last edited by Rich in Vancouver; 24th March 2023 at 03:22..

24th March 2023, 03:36	#2
Reebs Owners Club Director Rover 75 Conn SE V6 / MG ZT 260 SE V8 / MG ZT 180 SE V6 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 20,962 Thanks: 645 Thanked 6,851 Times in 2,537 Posts	As the bottle on the bench says, you are a power bleeder __________________ Check your trim here . Check your spec here Check your colour here . Check Project Drive here Check your original price here

24th March 2023, 12:15	#3
hogweed I really should get out more....... Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Norn Iron Posts: 2,970 Thanks: 942 Thanked 378 Times in 297 Posts	I spent two days trying to change mine. Well done mate - my failure to replace the one on my car was the straw that broke the camel's back, and the Rover was gone, after 12½ years, within a few days. I remember spending a weekend trying to do something similar on my BMW M3 about 15 years ago, and exclaiming in frustration when I eventually took it to my local independent BM guy "What kind of ******* fingers do Beemer mechanics have anyway???" "Sore ones", he said. __________________ Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes.

24th March 2023, 16:27	#4
Rich in Vancouver Gets stuck in MG ZT-T Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: White Rock, BC on Canada's Pacific Coast Posts: 864 Thanks: 338 Thanked 367 Times in 210 Posts	The power bleeder was a real life saver. I only needed to use a syringe to fill the master once then screwed the adaptor on and pressurised the system for bleeding. First I bled the master at the QR fitting using a bleed fitting I got from Trikey, then attached the QR fitting and bled from the slave bleeder to see if there was any air in that part of the system. Typically I ran out of fluid and pushed air into the system but after refilling the bleeder I was able to bleed the whole thing at once. That bleeder is worth it's weight in gold! I was horrified to see the condition of the fluid that came out. It looks like the slave may be the original one and wasn't changed when the clutch was done before I got the car. I'm hoping that it will hold up until the next clutch replacement. Edit: I translated the German work invoice and apparently they did replace the slave along with the clutch. The disgusting condition of the fluid must have been due to the master. I imagine that with the quick release clutch line they didn't bleed the clutch after installation. Here is a sideways pic of the incredibly dirty fluid. I'm very glad I changed it! Ans, as long as I'm posting sideways pics here is the view through the access hole with teeth! [URL=http://imgbox.com/Nb3ueDVj] __________________ ZT-T190, Anthracite, LHD, Left the Line on June 24, 2002, Sold new in Switzerland, spent time in Germany, Imported to Canada in September 2021 Last edited by Rich in Vancouver; 25th March 2023 at 04:35..

24th March 2023, 16:39	#5
FLYING BANANA Moderator/Club Shop MG ZT 1.8t+. No.3 of 4 in Sunspot Yellow & Ford Fiesta in Black. Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Rattler Farm Posts: 22,638 Thanks: 9,270 Thanked 15,645 Times in 6,806 Posts	Looks to be a delightful job to be done. __________________ 233,730 onen hag oll

24th March 2023, 20:11	#6
Saga Lout This is my second home MG ZT and Rover 75, Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Wigan Posts: 3,276 Thanks: 2,556 Thanked 2,685 Times in 1,037 Posts	What I did. I put an extra cylinder behind the clocks on my 75, you just pop out the clocks and the cylinder is there, it adds extra capacity to the fluid and makes it so much easier to bleed.

25th March 2023, 22:45	#9
Rich in Vancouver Gets stuck in MG ZT-T Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: White Rock, BC on Canada's Pacific Coast Posts: 864 Thanks: 338 Thanked 367 Times in 210 Posts	Good information. Thanks Mate! I'm also a bit concerned about the copper line from the master to the quick release near the bell housing. On my MGF I used a braided hose in the line to give a bit more flex and may just pick one up to see if it can be installed in the ZT-T. It should just be a matter of finding the proper fittings. Yes, I am retired and have too much time on my hands! I took the car out for a test drive today and everything is working as it should. I may even treat myself to an adult bevvy to celebrate! __________________ ZT-T190, Anthracite, LHD, Left the Line on June 24, 2002, Sold new in Switzerland, spent time in Germany, Imported to Canada in September 2021

27th March 2023, 15:41	#10
roverbarmy This is my second home Roverless + 1.7D Sportage Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: East Norfolk Posts: 7,069 Thanks: 729 Thanked 2,021 Times in 1,449 Posts	It was the thought of any clutch problems that made me buy my automatic (plus my dodgy knee, aggravated by the heavy clutch!). The auto was the icing on the Rover 75 cake in my humble opinion.If MGR was still here, I would no doubt have a 75 SUV by now! I miss the "wood" and the ride so much! My Tage's 50 mpg helps to make up for it! __________________ Oil in my veins!