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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

master cylinder leaks

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Old Mar 8, 2017 | 03:48 PM
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master cylinder leaks

Have an 86 F150 with a new master cylinder that leaks at the cover gasket. Put on new gasket but still the same. Should I try bending the hold down spring for more tension ?
 
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Old Mar 8, 2017 | 04:50 PM
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Is it too full? The rubber gasket in the lid should be tucked up flat inside the cap also. It shouldn't really leak unless you are driving some rough roads.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2017 | 06:49 PM
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If you're feeling bold, a modern plastic reservior mc from 87-96 Fords can be bolted on. Took me about 2 hours and hasn't leaked since.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 10:06 AM
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[QUOTE=jackietreehorn;17015929]If you're feeling bold, a modern plastic reservior mc from 87-96 Fords can be bolted on. Took me about 2 hours and hasn't leaked since.

I have an 86 F150 with the OEM metal master brake cylinder. I had planned to do just like you and replace it with the plastic ones used on later years. I pulled one from an 87 F150 and is there anything that I would need to adjust in order to make the swap? So far I'm thinking I may need to adjust the push rod from the booster, was that necessary for your swap or was it just a bolt on swap?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 11:30 AM
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You need to reverse the front and rear lines, and gut the proportioning valve on the rear port.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
You need to reverse the front and rear lines, and gut the proportioning valve on the rear port.
There's a proportioning valve in the master cylinder?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 01:49 PM
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Or a check valve, or something....

Look at the pics in the other thread.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 03:09 PM
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Ford calls it a rear metering valve or something. It's really just a m18x1.5 to 7/16 bushing after its innards are removed.

You could go without it if you were able re-fit the line with a m18 flare nut.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 05:34 PM
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Lets try Residual Check Valve.
Residual Check Valve Function: Drum Brake System
quote: Many master cylinder's designed for drum brakes incorporate a residual check valve to keep a slight amount of pressure on the system after the brake pedal has been released.
Dave ----
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 05:46 PM
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I love the way Ford uses random esoteric fittings in their rear brake systems.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 06:06 PM
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Looks about right except it isn't integral to the MC, more like this one
Ford Master Cylinder Brake Proportioning Pressure Regulator Control Valve OEM | eBay

They seem to serve a different purpose; the PV reduces rear brake pressure whereas the CV prevents air from entering brakes?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 06:12 PM
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[QUOTE=Squatch90;17017672]
Originally Posted by jackietreehorn
If you're feeling bold, a modern plastic reservior mc from 87-96 Fords can be bolted on. Took me about 2 hours and hasn't leaked since.

I have an 86 F150 with the OEM metal master brake cylinder. I had planned to do just like you and replace it with the plastic ones used on later years. I pulled one from an 87 F150 and is there anything that I would need to adjust in order to make the swap? So far I'm thinking I may need to adjust the push rod from the booster, was that necessary for your swap or was it just a bolt on swap?
I didn't have to adjust the pushrod but you might. Be sure to get a MC with the same pushrod/ bore diameter and carefully connect the old lines--install them in opposite ports relative to your old MC, front to back--> back to front.

Also, you might need to press the bleeder button on your stock proportioning valve while bleeding to get all the air out.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 06:53 PM
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And what is the advantage to this later model master cylinder swap?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 07:00 PM
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Originally I bought a new cast iron MC and it began leaking from the piston into the new brake booster about 1 month after installing it. The lid eventually began leaking too. I happened upon a NOS 1990 Ford master cylinder for 25 bucks and went with it. Plus the aluminum and plastic construction makes for a lighter machine!
 
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Old Mar 9, 2017 | 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by kh0432
Have an 86 F150 with a new master cylinder that leaks at the cover gasket. Put on new gasket but still the same. Should I try bending the hold down spring for more tension ?
I've had the same experience. The leak was caused by rust bubbles at the gasket surface preventing a good seal.

Use a file to clean up the top edge of the master cylinder housing. First use an old turkey baster (or similar) to remove as much brake fluid as possible. Stuff some paper towels (damp with brake fluid) in there to catch any debris. Hold the file flat against the casting and work lightly in a crosshatch pattern. You don't need to remove much material, just get rid of any high spots. Remove the paper towels, making sure you get all the debris. Refill the reservoirs.

Inspect the mating surface of the cap, too. If corroded, it may be easier to get a new cap.
 
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