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MG MGB Technical - Clutch sloppy

MY 1977 MGB seems to have a sloppy clutch. The clutch engages, but I mean that the clutch gets soft, rather than 1/2 inch play it increases to a greater play. I also see that the fluid is low and filled it once and then a second time a few days later. I see no leaking under the car (yes, including oil). I am no mechanic but can I get some ideas?
Christopher Marley

I had a similar problem with my 79. It was a bad slave cylinder and clutch hose. Now, my clutch master is leaking. Have you noticed any fluid on the metal part of your clutch pedal? Sounds like you have a problem somewhere in your hydraulic system. Find out where you're losing the fluid from.
sam c

Is it possoble to replace the pushrod on the clutch MC. The holes have elongated and my manufactured bushings helped considerably, but in looking at the rebuild kit pictures it seems like it should be possible to replace the push rod without a total rebuild. Anybody done this ?
.

The pushrod for the clutch master cylinder is not a part of the rebuild kit. It may be obtained from Moss Motors, part number 181-690, at a cost of $12.95. When the pushrod is removed, all of the internal parts are exposed/come out, hence cleaning out the interior of the MC and fitting a new seal kit (rebuid kit) is a good idea. I have found some master cylinders with rust in the bores which will eat up the seals quickly. The pushrod is held in place with a split ring having two round pieces at each end. There is a special tool for removing such split rings, looking like a pair of needle nosed pliers with the ends bent at a 90 deg angle. Two scribes can also be used to remove the ring, but this makes the operation a two man job. For the most part, reassembly is a two man job with one person stabilizing the master cylinder and holding the pushrod down while the other installs the snap ring. I use a padded vise to hold the rear end of the MC (the nose that faces backwards and the banjo bolt screws into) which also helps. I have always found the rebuild to be very easy and straight forward except for this part which is a pain in the neck. Be aware of which MC you have, the one that is unmarked or the one having either a circle with dot or a groove (or both) on the end. I had long believed that the unmarked master cylinders were used on the early cars and the marked cylinders on the later cars, but recently found an unmarked cylinder on a 73 parts car. So, check before you buy a rebuild kit. Les
Les Bengtson

thanks Les.

I was hoping it would be possible to remove the snap ring and change rods but no such luck. Oh well, my wife said she prefers to ride and enjoy the view anyway.

.,.
.

Having just rebuilt two cylinders, this is not a big job. Just takes two people. My older daughter was home and helped me. A length of rod through the holes of the pushrod allowed her to hold the pushrod down while I installed the snap ring. Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed on 12/09/2001

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.