Marina Calipers

[cryophile]

Am resurrecting an old kit. Unfortunately the donor bits have sat too long in a damp environment. Am looking for the easy way out since I can't get the @#$%& pistons to move in the brakes. There was some reference of alternative, compatible calipers is another thread without mentioning any names. By part number research, I have figured out the Marina Calipers are the same as Morgan 4 & Plus, Triumph 1300, 1500, Dolomite, Toledo, Ford Capri and Escort, and Ital. Sadly I live in the wilds of Western Canada, and none of these models made it across the Atlantic. Anyone know of any other cars that might have a usable caliper, even though not exactly the same? I see some that have the brake line attached on the side, from MGB and Triumph that might have the same mounting. Suggestions, guesses, as well as advice, much appreciated. I'm willing to get bits and pieces from the Americans, so any car models sold there or here are likely to have listing available.

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Marina Calipers

Might be worth contacting Skip Harris in the US, who has been valiantly flying the Marina flag in the US for many years and who may be able to put you in touch with a supplier/reconditioner that side of the pond.

http://marinaman.org

[andyf]

Re: Marina Calipers

Also check the fast marina forum, Steve Green and others have written up a lot about brake options that are compatible with the Marina setup.

[cameronfurnival]

Re: Marina Calipers

Have you tried John Stuart in Stoney Creek? They claim to be able to refurbish any caliper of any age. Worth a go, I know I had some problems pushing pistons out - my compressor just wasnt up to it at 100 psi but a local refurbishment firm (Bigg Red) soon popped them out and replaced them

[b_caswell]

Re: Marina Calipers

One way to get the pistons out is to rig up a grease gun to the hydraulic connection and pump away but keep your fingers out of the gap!!

[philcoyle]

Re: Marina Calipers

I pump mine out by using an old master cylinder and a flexi pipe, pump one side almost out and then block it, repeat for the other side reducing packing in the disc pad opening until it is almost out. Then you can press them back in and keep on repeating until you cover your work bench in brake fluid.
Phil.

afterthought! you could carry this out while the caliper is still on the car.

[stevejgreen]

Re: Marina Calipers

Some of the Lucas type 14 calipers are not fully compatible with the Marina, some have Hydraulic connections in different places.

Like many seized components, patience is the clue, a liberal soaking in penetrating oil over several days works wonders, my favourite is PlusGas not necessarily available in Canada, the standard WD40 is not as efficient by a long way.

Skip as Lil red suggests may be a good source for you from the US, but with a new trade deal between the EU and Canada, importing parts from the UK may well become economic and just as easy. With the current exchange rates they have dropped in price considerably.

Bens suggestion of a grease gun can work if thoroughly sealed, it can be a bit explosive when the piston finally releases so wrap the calipers in rags to contain the mess.

finally this is an opportunity to fit new PTFE Stainless braided brake hoses to replace your rubber ones which judging by your comment may well be as perished as your tie rod bushes.

[cryophile]

Re: Marina Calipers

Progress! The grease gun is a great idea, I'd have take the things around to a local brake shop for high pressure fluid if I could have gotten the bleeders out or the line fitting off. Someone casually mentioned using two screw drivers, I tried four wrecking bars(sharpened) and got one out. With that encouragement I tackled the others after hammering the piston in a bit with a short piece of shovel handle and a heavy hammer to loosen it. So now the question of the day is "what are the criteria for deciding if the pistons can still be used?" They seem round, not much corrosion, little pitting near the top. I can clean up the lips to be flat. The pistons seem to be stainless even if not marine grade. I'm leaning towards buying new ones. Compatible cars? (48mm dia)
For the bleeders and the lines, I am now in the penetrating oil-heat-try the spanner-oil- heat oil-wrench-spanner-oil cycle and have renewed confidence. I guess I'll end up drilling and tapping more than one.

[cryophile]

Re: Marina Calipers

I can't see "fast marina" on the forum or anywhere, I have access to Steve's keepandshare too.

[stevejgreen]

Re: Marina Calipers

I can't see "fast marina" on the forum or anywhere, I have access to Steve's keepandshare too.

Fast Marina is a reference to the strangely named http://www.fastmarinamagazine.com/ Forum used my the Morris Marina Owners Club.
they are a pretty welcoming bunch.

Skip Harris appears on that forum occasionally as 'Marinadriver' and his son as 'SHIfTHEAD' there is also a Canadian Marina Owner 'Canadian Marina'.
There may be others on your side of the pond, but I think those are the most active three. Make a post on fast Marina and they may all gradually appear.

[stevejgreen]

Re: Marina Calipers

My preference is to always replace pistons with stainless but some high nickel steels are just as good.
When fitting new pistons always use the grease supplied with them, alternatively use Red Rubber Grease that is compatible with the seal material and the brake fluid.

[andyf]

Re: Marina Calipers

Also check the calliper body carefully for cracks. Having had to work hard to get the pistons out you may have damaged the bore that they fit in.

[michael47]

Re: Marina Calipers

Just talked to a friend near you ,he builds beautiful Morris minors and replaces the brakes with Marina units .He told me has several spares in good codition and he will call me when he gets home ,he works up on the sunshine coast but is back in Vancouver every 14 days.When calls I will let you know how to get in touch if you still need a set of calipers.