Dead Alternator and dead Master cylinder wanted

Jamie · 18th February 2009, 19:49

Hi Folks,

I have decided to carry out some research into the prosect of repairing our own alternators and master cylinders.

Many years of restoring cars has taught me that anything can be repaired when there is a will and a shortage of cash!

I would like to hear from anyone who has a dead CDTi alternator or a dead Master cylinder that they were about to throw away.

Id like to strip the components and see if I can come up with another DIY 'how to' ...anyway... helps to satisfy my craving for fixing things!

Any offers?

EDIT: I am also looking at approaching FRAM to see if they are willing to produce an affordable PCV filter isnted of being ripped off by BMW garages.

Phil · 18th February 2009, 20:40

I've a semi dead master cylinder I was going to, one day dismantle and source seals for but if you want to do it, be my guest....

Departed · 19th February 2009, 06:55

Already had a look at the master cyl. Problem is the main seal is not a conventional rubber seal, and looks very much like it can't be replaced.

There is a rubber seal, but this is the secondary seal that stops the fluid getting out.

workaholic_ro · 19th February 2009, 09:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowedb

Already had a look at the master cyl. Problem is the main seal is not a conventional rubber seal, and looks very much like it can't be replaced.

There is a rubber seal, but this is the secondary seal that stops the fluid getting out.

There are hundreds of seal models used in hydraulics, there must be a similar one somewhere. Do you have any pics or (better) a section drawing with dimensions. I'll try to find a decent replacement if I know what to look for.

newcybrown · 19th February 2009, 10:34

Would it be possible to locate the manufacturer of the master cylinder and see if they could supply replacement seals.

Its a ridiculous situation that a master cylinder costs more than £100 but the seals would be maybe 10% of that cost.

I stripped my old unit and inspected it for wear on the inside i could not find any and the only problem where the worn seals.

Jamie · 19th February 2009, 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

I've a semi dead master cylinder I was going to, one day dismantle and source seals for but if you want to do it, be my guest....

Thanks Phil, PM on its way. J

workaholic_ro · 19th February 2009, 11:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by newcybrown

Would it be possible to locate the manufacturer of the master cylinder and see if they could supply replacement seals.

Its a ridiculous situation that a master cylinder costs more than £100 but the seals would be maybe 10% of that cost.

I stripped my old unit and inspected it for wear on the inside i could not find any and the only problem where the worn seals.

They have no interest to do that and besides it I doubt that they are making the seals; I'm sure that we can source some somewhere else, we only have to know what to look for.
No pic or drawing anyone ? There is a profiled shop five minutes far from my office and they are real professionals, I could ask them tomorrow.

Jamie · 19th February 2009, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by workaholic_ro

They have no interest to do that and besides it I doubt that they are making the seals; I'm sure that we can source some somewhere else, we only have to know what to look for.
No pic or drawing anyone ? There is a profiled shop five minutes far from my office and they are real professionals, I could ask them tomorrow.

I already have made contact with a well known seal manufacturer all i need is the actual part sizes/dimensions etc and they will inform me if its a 'goer'.

watch this space.

Departed · 19th February 2009, 12:35

I have some photos at home. Will try to post when I get there tonight!

workaholic_ro · 19th February 2009, 12:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowedb

I have some photos at home. Will try to post when I get there tonight!

That would be great. If you can add some dimensions it would be perfect.

18th February 2009, 19:49	#1
Jamie Posted a thing or two In Limbo Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,685 Thanks: 4 Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts	Dead Alternator and dead Master cylinder wanted Hi Folks, I have decided to carry out some research into the prosect of repairing our own alternators and master cylinders. Many years of restoring cars has taught me that anything can be repaired when there is a will and a shortage of cash! I would like to hear from anyone who has a dead CDTi alternator or a dead Master cylinder that they were about to throw away. Id like to strip the components and see if I can come up with another DIY 'how to' ...anyway... helps to satisfy my craving for fixing things! Any offers? EDIT: I am also looking at approaching FRAM to see if they are willing to produce an affordable PCV filter isnted of being ripped off by BMW garages. __________________ Finally given up trying to buy the last new rover V8 from Bristol, 2 years of haggling got me nowhere! Last edited by Jamie; 19th February 2009 at 11:34..

18th February 2009, 20:40	#2
Phil This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 12,227 Thanks: 469 Thanked 523 Times in 241 Posts	I've a semi dead master cylinder I was going to, one day dismantle and source seals for but if you want to do it, be my guest.... __________________

19th February 2009, 06:55	#3
Departed Retired -- Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: -- Posts: 3,785 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Already had a look at the master cyl. Problem is the main seal is not a conventional rubber seal, and looks very much like it can't be replaced. There is a rubber seal, but this is the secondary seal that stops the fluid getting out.

19th February 2009, 10:34	#5
newcybrown Loves to post MG ZT 190+ 2.5 V6 (KaTy) Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NOTTINGHAM Posts: 462 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Would it be possible to locate the manufacturer of the master cylinder and see if they could supply replacement seals. Its a ridiculous situation that a master cylinder costs more than £100 but the seals would be maybe 10% of that cost. I stripped my old unit and inspected it for wear on the inside i could not find any and the only problem where the worn seals.

19th February 2009, 12:35	#9
Departed Retired -- Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: -- Posts: 3,785 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	I have some photos at home. Will try to post when I get there tonight!