Servo

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Message originally posted by: Nick Steele
I have a Marina MkII 1800 SWB suffering from lack of stopping power. Pretty sure it is the servo, but cannot find a replacement anywhere. Anyone have a secret supply

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Servo

To test the servo try out the brakes while coasting down a small incline with the engine off (a downhill drive is useful). Then try it with the engine on...there should be a noticeable difference in effort required on the pedal. You can also tell by holding down the brake pedal while starting the engine - you should feel the pedal depress slightly.

That said, the servo doesn't actually increase the overall braking effort, it just makes it a bit easier on the driver's foot to apply the pressure.

Check all the cylinders/seals, check whether pads & shoes are glazed, bleed through with fresh fluid etc etc.

I've just renewed my pads/shoes and on inspection the old linings were heavily glazed. With new Greenstuff front pads the feel of the brakes is vastly improved.

As for a new servo there was one on eBay a few days ago..! Also try a firm called Norton Classic Servos...I haven't got the number to hand but they advertise in the various classic mags.

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Servo

Message originally posted by: Stefan Carlton
I'll agree with Jez there - green stuff pads (I got mine from NeedForSpeed in Glasgow) help stopping, but from what I understand there is another issue at large here.

The pedals are much shorter than in the Marina which is resulting in lower pressure been applied (less of a lever effect), that'll have an affect on the braking capabilities of the car - it is offset however by the lighter vehicle.

As for location of the servo's, no real idea but there is a thread here with a couple of suppliers...

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Servo

Message originally posted by: Nick Steele
Thanks for the advice. I tried the test on holding down the pedal when starting, and it does go down a very little bit. After that is just feels solid. That said, when I really push, can get the fronts to lock up.

I am not really confident with brakes (I did not build my Roadster), but think that maybe just replacing pads/linings might do it - should a normal brake centre be able to do this relatively cheaply.

Also, further testing getting more difficult since the starter motor will no longer repsond to a sharp tap to get it going. It is pre-engaged type, and will work if I take it off and back on, but only once, then seems to jam again. Can I grease something to make it work every time - it is getting embarressing to get out the hammer at the petrol station!

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Servo

Sounds like the servo is probably OK.
You could try one of the "usual suspects" and ask them to give the brakes a once-over...have you had an MOT recently? Were the brakes OK for that?

Assuming the battery is in good condition the starter motor could be just dirty pinion gear-splines or a broken solenoid spring, either of which can cause the pinion to remain engaged with the flywheel ring-gear - which seems consistent with it working after removal/replacement. Try rocking the car whilst the engine is off/in gear - this might be a little easier than continual removal/replacement ;-)

Best bet for piece of mind would be an exchange unit from your local auto electricians...I'm not sure which type of starter you have (there were 2 types of pre-engaged fitted - 2M100 and M35J) but the only official Lucas replacement now available is for the M35J (Lucas part number LRS293). They are both interchangeable though.

Hope this helps

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Servo

Message originally posted by: Nick Steele
I think I agree with you about the servo. They have a reputation of not going wrong and I think it more likely that the brakes would seize through lack of use.
On the rocking method, this used to work OK, but now is not enough. So I will take the motor off one more time, give it a good clean to free up the mechanism, probably give up and buy a new one from my friendly local shop!
I'll keep you posted

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Servo

Message originally posted by: Nick Steele
Jez,
I previously forgot to mention a special feature of my Roadster: when left, it mends itself. Having refused to do anything on the key no matter what I hit for weeks, yesterday started first time. And then again. So I will wait a while before doing anything. If I leave it long enough, maybe the brakes will improve too.

Does anyone else's car mend itself?