Triumph Repair: clutch master cylinder, Spitfire, clutch

Question
can you give a good idea to free up the piston/plunger in the clutch master cylinder. its stuck and i have no way of getting it out ... i didn't want to purchase a new part. thanks

Answer
Jon,

I take you've already pulled the m/c from the car?   

If so, take a good look into the cylinder and make sure there isn't corrosion or old dried fluid gumming up the bore.  Brake parts cleaner is good at removing the dirt/gunk, just be careful not to get it in your eyes.  Make sure the inside end of the m/c piston bore is clean by using either steel wool or fine sandpaper to remove any corrosion there.   Then oil the piston bore with a light lubricant such as WD-40.

Get a piece of scrap wood and place it on the floor or on a sturdy workbench.   Hit the open end of the piston bore on the wood.   This should get the piston up to the end of the bore.   If not, push it back in, clean up the bore some more then repeat.   

If it takes a lot of work to get the piston out then even with a new seal set it probably won't last much longer.


Cheers,

Jim