Remote reservoir kits, a blessing and a curse

[tougeagle]

You're probably somewhat familiar with the general lack of a clutch fluid reservoir if you have a manual trans eagle. I've mentioned in a few areas that I bought a wilwood remote reservoir kit, which seemed to work great, except for one problem... The aluminum fittings will strip out inside the master cylinder!

So, I still highly recommend getting one of these kits (I got mine from summit racing), but don't even look at the AL fittngs supplied. Go to a Checker/Shucks/kragen (sp) and get brass fittings. I believe the hole s 3/8 inch, you'll also need a fitting that has a hose barb on one end to fit into that. It fits nice and tight and so far, no leaks. Though, I did use Teflon tape just to be sure.

[IowaEagle]

Great tip.  I wonder if the folks at Summit realize the kits have the aluminum fittings?

[shaggimo]

When did they eliminate the resevoir??? 

[twoslowinwyo]

the problem with the fittings is that they are alum. along with with the cyl. the ONLY way to avoid this is to use a good quality anti-seize compound. alum. on alum. will gall & seize if none is used.  LAZ

[thereverendbill]

gotta remember that AN fittings do not interchange with inch fittings or they strip out like mentioned. i am VERY surprized they didn't tell you that when you ordered the part

[tougeagle]

It is actually a standard size, unless you have a master cylinder made by a different company. Mine are standard size. My new master cylinder is either iron or steel (HIGHLY recommend getting one ... well, you'll really not have much choice, other than a rebuild kit instead), so I never have to worry about stripping out the fittings or gouging the bore... I used brass fittings and a steel fitting, far better than aluminum anyway, and not a single leak.

[MortenB]

I'm in the process of rebuilding the clutch cylinders, and am also installing a remote reservoir.   I got one from a Spirit.   It is made to fit, and there is already an indent on the SX/4 firewall where it is supposed to go.   As soon as I get it cleaned up and installed I'll post a picture.

[tougeagle]

Dunno if I mentioned, but my rock auto clutch master cyl, started leaking and leaving me with a VERY spongy clutch just a month after I installed it. It's still that way now, pedal has to be into the floor to go into first gear >_< No time to try and find a good one.

[j2sax]

BTW, you should NOT use teflon tape when tightening to an aluminum housing.  More often than not, you overtorque the fitting and strip the threads or create a leak. 

I work for A! Cardone and that is our main cause of Rack Warranties and, of course, is very expensive to repair.  The instructions in the box warn against it as do many other professional tech sources, but I till run into pros, many of whom are great techs, who say they had never heard that!

Have a great week,

Jesse

[tougeagle]

BTW, you should NOT use teflon tape when tightening to an aluminum housing.  More often than not, you overtorque the fitting and strip the threads or create a leak. 

I work for A! Cardone and that is our main cause of Rack Warranties and, of course, is very expensive to repair.  The instructions in the box warn against it as do many other professional tech sources, but I till run into pros, many of whom are great techs, who say they had never heard that!

Have a great week,

Jesse

I installed that clutch master last year, and I have learned a lot since then, including not using teflon tape. I have been working with a professional mechanic on a near daily basis since December.... Though, keep in mind the clutch master is cast iron, and the fittings are brass... Either way though, that ended up not being my concern... rather, the fact the clutch master started leaking out of the piston bore a month after I installed it. I'm sure my carpet is soaked in brake fluid by it....

[IowaEagle]

Are they rebuilt units or new ones?

[tougeagle]

Are they rebuilt units or new ones?

brand new, cast iron

[IowaEagle]

I wonder if they are putting a true bore in them?

[tougeagle]

I wonder if they are putting a true bore in them?

I've kinda wondered the same myself. I think I'm going to try and find an Eagle m/c off car-part, order a 3/4" rebuild kit from RA and remove my current, install the other to get me around while I have my current one bored to 3/4" by the local machine shop.