Elan +2 Brake Master cylinder non return valve

[alaric]

Hi all.

I'm fitting new seals to the brake master cylinder on my Elan +2. Has anyone come up with a neat way to clean the end of the bore? Here's a pic of mine:

You can see that the end of the bore is pretty mucky. It's proabablt just staining from grease that's got in there, but I can't reach in to feel how rough it is.

The hole in the centre goes straight to the reservoir. If the little rubber seal that stops the fluid going back into the reservoir when the brake pedal is pushed does not actually seal, then the result is no brakes. So, I'm quite keen to make sure that the end of the bore is nice and clean.

Has anyone come up with a neat way of getting the end clean?

Thanks in advance.

Sean.

[Donels]

I used WD40 and plenty of twisted kitchen roll. It takes a while. Then clean thoroughly with methylated spirits before reassembling.

[alaric]

Hey that was my plan haha. I'll get twisting.

I am considering using a piece of that green abrasive part on our kitchen sponges. I figure it will not scratch, and I could stuff it down the bore and then rotate it with a piece of wood. I don't want to fix it if it ain't broke though.

Thanks.

Sean.

[2cams70]

That green stuff will scratch. You are better off getting the finest grade steel wool that you can. Not the stuff from the supermarket but the stuff you can get from hardware stores. It comes in various grades and is used for French polishing. Push it down the bore and you can use a long plastic spudger (tool used for opening and repairing mobile phones) to twirl it around at the bottom of the bore.

[alaric]

Hi. I'll take a look at the steel wool that you mention. I have valve polishing tools somewhere for that matter... the little suction cap and wooden stick that is sits on would be perfect if I can mount something onto it. I've lost my large can of thinners unfortunately. That was always a good one to start off with. Amazon....

Regards.

Sean.

[ericbushby]

Hi Sean,
I think the steel wool 2cams mentioned is grade 0000. This is used by furniture restorers, and myself, for flatting down before wax polishing. This removes the high gloss that you sometimes see on over-restored furniture. Do not accept grade 000. It is too coarse for delicate jobs.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[alaric]

Ok thanks Eric and 2cams. I'll seek out the 0000 and give it a go. Thanks for your help.

Ok it's on its way courtesy of amazon: Liberon Steel Wire Wool 0000 Ultra fine - 1 Meter Pack, £3.39. With 1m of the stuff I can stuff it down the bore and rotate it. Perfect. Thanks for the advice. I'd never heard of this stuff before.

Eric, Burnley - that's where I used to get my performance Mini parts haha, from MiniSpares.

Sean.

[ericbushby]

Hi Sean,
Minisport is still there and seems to do very well. I know some people travel quite a long distance to visit them.
A metre !!! that`s enough to last a life time. You will never need to buy any more.
Eric

[alaric]

Haha yes I drove from Dorchester to Burnley to collect a 1400 engine kit. Very exciting trip. The cylinder head wasn't ready, so the poor ol postman brought it up the driveway. He didn't look happy. It was a great engine. Minispares was full of wonderful bits and pieces.

Sean.