Brake master cylinder identification

[chris]

As a newcomer to the world of the kit cars, I am looking for some help (please) to find either a repair kit or a new master cylinder for my Berlinetta, The documentation that came with the car indicates the donor was a MK3 Cortina, but not much else.

The red tag on the cylinder reads 66081 01 60/40 280J I assume this is a part number?

Any assistance would be gratefully received!

[lizbillings]

Re: Brake master cylinder identification

Hi Chris. When I had brake failure, we ended up taking off the master cylinder taking it to our local garage who sent it to their normal parts retailer. They matched it with one in stock. I believe there are two separate types for Mark 3 cortinas which is why they wanted the original.
Once fitted no problems.

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Brake master cylinder identification

Hi Chris
The numbers on the tag don't bare any resemblance to the usual Girling part numbers {I'm assuming Girling and not ATE manufacture] Are there any numbers embossed into the cylinder body? They may be of some use to someone like Powertrack brakes but again tend to be a casting number.It's rare to find the original part no tag still in place in my experience.

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Brake master cylinder identification

Girling part numbers for master cylinders usually start with 6406---- If yours is marked with the bore size as 19mm it MIGHT be the same as item 270474999963 on e bay which is a repair kit. Girling kits had SP then a 4 digit number, M followed by the same number denotes a moprod manufactured kit. hope that is of use!

[chris]

Re: Brake master cylinder identification

Thanks Liz and Alan, the ebay one states is id for non servo so I guess that's not correct, so I think a trip to the local motor factors, cylinder in hand might be the best option!

thanks again for the suggestions

[chris]

Re: Brake master cylinder identification

It seems the mk111 cortina master cylinder is made of unobtainium! I have a mkV on order in the hope that it is similar enough to make no difference...

[gaddbrose]

Re: Brake master cylinder identification

Hi Everyone.
I note with interest your comments about brake master cylinder identification. Recently, mine started to leak fluid and it became obvious that serious attention was needed. My car is based on the Sierra donor of about 1985 vintage and was one of the first injected versions. However, I started with enquires at Ford's in Gloucester, and after scanning their national network, they declared that no spares are now stocked for any Sierra anywhere. So I fell back on a spare stockist who I have used before and who was able to give me history and hope.
It seems that the one problem for spares is the identification of these kits, and there seems to be two types. One, is held on to the vaccuum chamber by two 12 mm bolts requiring a 17 mm spanner and the other sort is held by two 10 mm bolts requiring a 13 mm spanner. the important difference is that 12mm bolts are used on the Girling version and the 10mm on the Bendix version. Apparently these two options are the only ones in use although there are other makes also available e.g A.T.E. but it seems that as the bores are all the same size, i.e 20.22 mm. then as long as it fits the bolts, it should do .!!!! My cylinder has FORD cast into the body, but it seems that Bendix made them for Ford.
Another matter is the care of the reservoir. These are virtually unobtainable and will cause immense problems if you damage yours, and if you are fitting a new master cylinder then you need to transfer the reservoir. After taking advice, I made some levers up and carefully lifted it out evenly, and slowly. The new cylinder is now in place and working well, the old one will be reconditioned and placed on the shelf.
If you need to replace yours, I can recommend that you give " Kit-Fit" a ring on 01522 778877 and talk to John, all he will want to know is the bolt size and the hole centre dimension. I had a brand new cylinder within 4 days and at very good value. He, also stocks many other components for Cortina, Sierra and Escort either new or recond.
One reason why there are so many versions or types fitted is that in the 70's, there were quite a few strikes amongst the accessory people and as Ford were anxious to keep producton going then a variety of makes were used. Brian.

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Brake master cylinder identification

Brian
Pleased to see that you have got the problem sorted - no doubt the information will come in useful for others in the future.