MG Car Repair: 1972 Midget- No Clutch pedal, brake caliper, bleeder valve

Question
Hi Howard,
I have been amazed and used your comments to others to assist me with getting my midget on the road. Like several other examples that I have gone through and read your comments on, I followed all of them to the "T" with no results. Here's the issue: No clutch pedal and cannot put into gear when running. I replaced the slave cylinder, because it was leaking, bled the system and still no pedal. I replaced the master cylinder (clutch), bled the system using the technique you reference in multiple examples, which is basically, opening the bleeder valve and allow fluid to run out. I then push the the pedal down and release slowly, and still no pedal. I tried the prying the clutch arm back, which allows the piston in the slave to go in, and repeated the above process, but still no pedal. I have 2 observations: 1. When the clutch pedal is in the "OUT" or not depressed position, it would appear that the slave rod should be in the "IN" position. Mine stays out the whole time, and will not move with the pedal. 2. Looking into the inspection whole on the side of the bell housing, it appears that the pressure plate is in the depressed position and does not move. I attempted to pry it back with no results. I can pry the thrust bearing back, and this will move the slave rod/piston in. I am near wits end. Thanks for your assistance Howard.

Answer
Hi Joe,
The master cylinder is nothing more than a pump with just a piston in it. For it to pump fluid the piston must retract all the way so new fluid in the reservoir can go into the cylinder.
A 100 test of the master cylinder is to remove the clutch line and find a bleeder valve (like used in a brake caliper) that has the same threads as the line fitting and screw it in place of the line. Then have someone pump up the pedal and hold pressure on the pedal while you open the bleeder valve. (It is a good idea to put a clear plastic hose on the bleeder valve and run it into a bottle or can) You should be able to quickly get a rock hard pedal. If you can't then you have something that is not allowing the piston to retract all the way or you have a bad master cylinder that the piston sticks and is not returning all the way. Also check that the pedal returns all the way as this will hold the piston in a little.
If you can't find a bleeder valve check with your auto parts store for an assortment of bleeder valves.
Howard