Pete -
I've owned my '73 TR6 for about 11 years as a daily driver. I've seen the same
kinds of problems as you have, though not nearly as badly. I've only used
Castrol brake fluid, with the red grease to lubricate the slave cylinder shaft,
and I replaced the nylon coupling hose several years back, so I think I've done
everything right. I've had no real problems with clutch functionality other
than the following.
My brake fluid gets discolored after, I would guess, 6 months to a year. Not
as badly as yours; kind of a semi-opaque dark gray color with a little bit of
black sediment in the bottom of the master cylinder. The master cylinders and
slave cylinders seem to last about 2 to 4 years before they'll start to leak
past the seals (clutch still works; just makes a mess). Rebuild kits seem to
be good for 2 or 3 months before they start leaking, so I've pretty much given
up on that.
A question for the list... I believe that the cylinders don't last and that
the rebuilds (new seals) don't work because the cylinders are such soft
material (aluminum?) and groove so easilly. I've got the address of an outfit
that re-sleeves the cylinders, presumably in something harder like maybe
stainless. Does anybody have any experience with these? Do they hold up any
better?
It's time for another master cylinder...
Gene Garrison
Owned by '73 TR6 in S. Florida
p.s. Now that I think about it, I wonder if my "black gunk" isn't just
aluminum oxide? I don't get any discernible particles in mine...
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From: Pete & Aprille Chadwell[SMTP:dynamic@pbgi.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 1996 10:50 AM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: TR6 clutch trouble part 2
So, what do you all think of the possibility of motor oil finding its way
into the fluid somehow, thus contaminating it and causing the gradual
failure of the seals? This was suggested by Rebe Trickey, from this list,
(thanks!) and it's the only thing I've heard so far that I've not thought
of or been able to rule out. (No offense to others who contributed...) I
have heard from 2 or maybe three of you who have had experience with the
fluid turning black on you, and I think that's very interesting. Does this
mean that if all the rest of you go out right now and look inside your
reservoir you will find clean and clear fluid inside? Should TR6 owners
expect that their fluid will fill up with black gunk? I hope not. I'd
like to hear some more experiences. How does the clutch hydraulic system
in YOUR car behave? Can you actually just drive it and not have to worry
about it? Boy... would THAT be nice!!!?? I still keep a spare rebuild kit
on hand. It would be nice not to have to!
Appreciate your further inputs :)
Pete Chadwell
1973 TR6 with perpetually ailing clutch hydraulics, etc, etc.
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