Desperate for Mk1 help please

[El transito]

Look, I'm not here for criticism, Dad knows what he's doing, he's a retired mechanic / engineer for goodness sake. And if he knew the brakes were that dangerous he wouldn't have taken it out. They failed after 8 or 9 miles, so as far as he was concerned all was well, and he just needed to bed in the linings. Please can we not lose sight of the fact that I'm here to ask for help?

Bev I'm sure your dad wouldn't deliberatley take a dangerous vehicle on the road, that said, brake problems are not something you test on the highway. Unless you have a "full pedal" before driving (which by your own admssion wasn't the case) you seriously need to consider driving the vehicle, let alone on the road, so I do understand, and agree with the comments of others on the forum regarding the safety of others.

OK lets be constructive, the photos show that seal assembly is according to the Lockheed schematic, (but do not show bore condition) which leads me to two conclusions, either the cylinder bore has "Glazed" not allowing the seals to work as designed, or "PIN N, piston stop pin" on the schematic is not being installed the correct side of the piston. if this is the case make sure the piston is pushed to the bottom of the cylinder before the pin is inserted, then continue with the second piston assembly. If the cylinder needs de-glazing you can use a "glaze-breaker" before re-assembly.

Before re-fitting the master cylinder to the servo it is very easy to test it's innitial operation, block the outlets of the cylinder with your fingers, operate the cylinder with a screwdirver, if your fingers are not immediately pressurised, and then pushed away, there will be insufficient brake fluid pressure at the wheel cylinders!!!
Please note this is only an indicative test, a "Full Pedal" after bleeding (no pedal travel with engine off) is the correct way to determine whether a vehicle is roadworthy.

[Bevluvsrats]

Ok, I'll pass that on, thanks.

To clarify, we don't have *anywhere* else to test the vehicle other than on quiet local back roads or in car parks, which is what Dad always does, and never puts any other motorist or pedestrian in deliberate danger. With a vehicle this size, we have to test it properly, and the only way of doing that is to take it on the road. Even if we were taking it to an MOT centre or garage, we'd still have to take it on the road. It's just getting to the point now where we don't know what else to do. I'll pass on your comments. Thanks.

[Luke]

sounds to me like its the master cyl (cant say i read everything in detail ) but you can block off the entire rear brakes by fitting a blank plug into the line - just for test purposes

[Bevluvsrats]

El Transito - Dad says " if the piston stop pin is installed incorrectly, it will damage the seal. On closer inspection the 2 springs in the photos are of different compression 1.64mm and 1.88mm wire. Which end of the cylinder takes the stronger? There is no reference to tension in any manual I posess.
Book cylinder diameter 20.64mm
Actual cylinder diameter 20.34mm
Piston diameter primary 20.54mm
piston diameter secondary 20.45mm"

[Bevluvsrats]

Luke, I think Dad's already done that, thanks.

Bev x

[Muttley]

I havent gone through the whole post so soz if you have already said but where are you? Perhaps some one near can come help I am in Surrey if that helps

[Bevluvsrats]

I'm in Surrey too! Bordering Bromley.

Bev x

[El transito]

Your dad is absolutely correct about the pin, it will damage the seals if not between the collars on the piston.
The heavier spring go's into the cylinder first, if you look at the schematic you posted it looks slightly different, slightly heavier.
If cylinder bore is good condition all should be well now???

Previous offer of help still stands if your still in trouble in September.

[Bevluvsrats]

Although we seriously hope not to be in trouble much longer, I think your offer may well come in very handy, many thanks. I'll pass on the latest to Dad.

Hugs.

Bev x

[Muttley]

I am in Sutton, if you need a second opinion let me know what times and days you will be around and I will try to sort out something with you

[Bevluvsrats]

Muttley, that's brilliant, you're the next borough over from us! I'll have speaks with Dad.

Bev x

[whitemice]

If anyone can sort it it's Muttley, aka Andy, a great guy, you are in luck living nearby, i hope it works out from now on and ends the frustration.

[Bevluvsrats]

Thanks Whitemice, have to admit, it'll be nice to have some hands-on stuff going on with this.

Bev x

[Bevluvsrats]

Muttley, would you be able to email me with a phone number please? Dad would like to have a chat with you since you're so close.

bevluvsrats@gmail.com

Cheers

Bev x

[Muttley]

Done