MG Car Repair: clutch master cylinder, clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder

Question
Hi Barrie,
I have 79 mgb and I replaced the clutch master cylinder with a used one.  The cylinder pumps fine and has good suction but will not draw fluid from the reservoir.  I put some fluid in and shook it up to loosen any debris, but no luck, it just keeps pumping air.
Joe

Answer
Hi Joe.  This is a common problem.  I find it best to remove the slave cylinder from the bellhousing, pull the pushrod out of the gaiter, and allow the cylinder to dangle downwards on its flexible hose.  Then use a blunt Philips screwdriver to push the piston of the slave cylinder upwards.  This will force the fluid up the pipe (including any bubbles of air).  The bubbles exit the system via the master cylinder, so it may need topping up.  No special tools, no bleeding, job done.