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Master Cylinder Frustration

Thunderlugs

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FBBO Gold Member
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Anyone here willing to step outside the box on help for another brand? I AM , and Always will, bleed Mopar blood! Thats all I own But recently I had to rescue one outside my Mopar comfort zone. I had an elderly friend Gift me His fathers car....an immaculate 59 Biscayne 2 door post. It was too cool to pass up! My last task has been a Hydraulic overhaul of the brake system. Trying to finish the job I have had 2 New Master cylinders, both Leaking past the seals! FYI...I am using Dot 5 fluid which should not be an issue. Both masters came from NAPA....made in Taiwan. Any ideas on Who makes a Quality product that I can feel Confident in when I step on the brake pedal! Maybe this is a message to keep the Bowties out of my house! LOL
Thanks for any Help
Thunder
 
I'd try a Wagner F 32000..this number is for a Bendix cyl..
 
Dot5 & Dot3 or 4 are not compatible.
Unless you flushed the system before going to dot5
that may be your problem.
It probably had dot3 in it.
 
Raise the radiator cap and drive a Dodge under it! Problem solved :lol:
 
Dot5 & Dot3 or 4 are not compatible.
Unless you flushed the system before going to dot5
that may be your problem.
It probably had dot3 in it.
This is a completely new.... dry system, front to rear. With no remnants of any brake fluid whatsoever. And... I am completely aware of the non compatibility issues of the various brake fluids. Thank you for responding.
 
Are you buying a "new" or "rebuilt" mc?

I use to find that the rebuilt mc had a better success rate. Things could change though. Maybe shelf life has a bearing on a part that doesn't sell as often.

If you have a hone, get a kit and rebuild it yourself. These are the things that we have to deal with working on these classics.

Good luck!
 
Are you buying a "new" or "rebuilt" mc?

I use to find that the rebuilt mc had a better success rate. Things could change though. Maybe shelf life has a bearing on a part that doesn't sell as often.

If you have a hone, get a kit and rebuild it yourself. These are the things that we have to deal with working on these classics.

Good luck!
KID...Both were new with date codes 6/17,& 8/17. So today I ordered a rebuilt in hopes that they are tested before they go out the door. As far as rebuilding the original... piston seized...been soaking for days , no luck yet. Also agree with you on the sitting on the shelf thing, affecting the seals. Also doing alot of reading in web with Tons of compaints with the same issues. not the Lone Ranger!
 
I would think NAPA would stand behind the product seems that they sold you 2 lemons in a row. You do know what they say about GM's don't you?
"Nobody sweats the details like GM, and they don't!"
 
I would think NAPA would stand behind the product seems that they sold you 2 lemons in a row. You do know what they say about GM's don't you?
"Nobody sweats the details like GM, and they don't!"
I completely Agree ! LOL
 
I failed to mention...This leak shows up on the second pump of the Master cylinder Bench Bleed. The car itself, has flushed out steel lines and All new Hoses, and wheel cylinders.
 
Nothing wrong with a 59 2 door post pretty rare I assume.

I just had/have the same issue with my 65 Coronet.
Redid everything and stepped on the brake pedal a few times and it leaked between the cylinder and the booster just like the old one did before I redid everything. The same cylinder seals as you?
Picked up a rebuilt one from Autozone and it looks like a really well built unit. The other one was from Advance. Both have the same part # but look different fit and finish wise. I'll change them tomorrow if it gets below 100*

IMG_8822.JPG IMG_8823.JPG IMG_8824.JPG IMG_8825.JPG
 
Nothing wrong with a 59 2 door post pretty rare I assume.

I just had/have the same issue with my 65 Coronet.
Redid everything and stepped on the brake pedal a few times and it leaked between the cylinder and the booster just like the old one did before I redid everything. The same cylinder seals as you?
Picked up a rebuilt one from Autozone and it looks like a really well built unit. The other one was from Advance. Both have the same part # but look different fit and finish wise. I'll change them tomorrow if it gets below 100*

View attachment 622328 View attachment 622329 View attachment 622330 View attachment 622331
It's nice to know that I am not the only one with this issue! Did you use DOT5 also? Let me know how it works out for you.
P.S. I sure wish it was a 62-65 2dr post Mopar!!......not a Chev!
Good Luck With Yours Tomorrow!!
 
It's nice to know that I am not the only one with this issue! Did you use DOT5 also? Let me know how it works out for you.
P.S. I sure wish it was a 62-65 2dr post Mopar!!......not a Chev!
Good Luck With Yours Tomorrow!!
I always use dot3 just so I don't forget and add dot3 to dot5.
 
One thing is, Dot 5 is purple in color. I've known people putting clear power steering fluid in the mastercylinder by mistake. You'll have to replace the whole system if you do.

Just because I might not be around when the next person goes to top off my MC, I found a #5 stamp and changed the #3 on the cover.

20180703_170215.jpg


I've had quite of few parts from NAPA that weren't up to par, some were even special ordered. They had no problem replacing them or just returning them for a full refund.
 
One thing is, Dot 5 is purple in color. I've known people putting clear power steering fluid in the mastercylinder by mistake. You'll have to replace the whole system if you do.

Just because I might not be around when the next person goes to top off my MC, I found a #5 stamp and changed the #3 on the cover.

View attachment 622333

I've had quite of few parts from NAPA that weren't up to par, some were even special ordered. They had no problem replacing them or just returning them for a full refund.
Dual MC on a 59?
 
One thing is, Dot 5 is purple in color. I've known people putting clear power steering fluid in the mastercylinder by mistake. You'll have to replace the whole system if you do.

Just because I might not be around when the next person goes to top off my MC, I found a #5 stamp and changed the #3 on the cover.

View attachment 622333

I've had quite of few parts from NAPA that weren't up to par, some were even special ordered. They had no problem replacing them or just returning them for a full refund.
On the plus side, at least this is local and I don't have to deal with shipping back and forth....waiting .... Hassle! ....These guys treat me well! I guess it's all a part of the old car restoration journey!
 
There were 2 types, Moraine and Bendix. Did the NAPA folks give you the correct MC?
 
For anyone thinking of going with DOT5 look at using Castrol SRF instead. It's compatible with dot4 in an emergency and it is way easier to bleed. DOT5 is great in theory, but horrible in actual use. It hangs on to micro air bubbles and is a nightmare to try to bleed. It also doesn't hold any moisture which sounds like a benefit but it's not. The moisture concentrates together and rots away your brake lines/wheel cylinders.
 
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