Orderd a rebuild kit for my leaky clutch master cylinder, followed the directions, bathed the parts in brake fluid, installed it, press in the clutch pedal and the piston won't return. I took out the cylinder and I just can't get the piston out, its stuck in the fully forward position and I can't get it out. I was thinking of hooking the cylinder up to a part of my brake system and using the car's brake system to push out the piston, but I'd rather not do that, any suggestions?

 

Air hose. Blow gun. blow a short blast of air into the hole where the line hooks up. Have a rag in your hand, under the end of the cyl, or the piston will fly out, as will fluid.

 

why not just get a new one? like 25 bucks instead of spending time to rebuild

 

That is what I was thinking.

 

I guess the satisfaction of having rebuilt an item, and only spending a few dollars, versus the price of a new item, is a lost art.

 

I just got a new clutch master and slave cylinder for my '83 for about $75 for both at Advance Auto. I thought about getting rebuild kits, but figured that after the car had been sitting for 13 years, the piston might be too rusty to be re-buildable...

I did re-build the rear brake wheel cylinders and had to beat the pistons out with a hammer...

- David

 

I can see the need to replace the items, after a car has been sitting. Rust pits inside the bore will cause them to leak even after attempting to rebuild.
Parts that have been in use, and start leaking, normally are good canidates for a rebuild. Inspecting for rust pitting is one step of the rebuild process.
It's amazing how long these same items will last, when the fluid is flushed at regular intervals.........

 

My thoughts exactly! In most cases I would much rather rebuild if I can than buy new. For one thing, you know what you have when you're done. But the main thing for me is the satisfaction. Check out my previous thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/i-love-restoring-stuff-549854/

It seems like there are a lot of people on here that complain about not having any money, and a lot of people that say "just go buy a new one". I wonder how many of them are the same people? Not meant to be critical...just an observation...

Rich