Hi,
My mk3 cortina master cylinder's just given up. Before I buy a mk4/5 chinese one from ebay, and block up the servo pipe, I thought I'd ask what everyone is using? any recommendations please. Apparently, landrover dual circuit fits.

thanks,

I am presuming Lucas Girling master cylinder.
you probably only need to replace the seals, so a refurb kit for almost anything with the same size piston will work.

ideally: if you can, remove all fluid from the system, blow through with clean dry air, replace the seals in master and all slaves, then refill the system and blead as normal

Guess you have seen this genuine AP Caparo (now 920 Engineering) one for sale from PowerTrack Braking: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326276852355?_skw=westfield+master+cylinder&itmmeta=01JA3BNMBMASVAQC90QMNRJE2G&hash=item4bf79daa83:g:WuYAAOSw5uFiG0 PZ&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKmoaM2UlvNWVa%2Br5Vf5G77ycASqa6PC6IjwnhspY6WIDOIKWw5A%2FdtzwZR98PKdhokxdUX8PvtTuhjqaigh8wA6qLUQb1pm pQDiqMnPxDQypXanZEAsUlXzlUN7pRZgpxmJz1X9%2F9yeE4pk%2BVv0u01ItHuV02W5eQ%2BIWXcAxo1UgjlVgscXuFIIft6FvIZ%2FsAiC31%2BICPsudkPRSTkmim44%2ByVsZN%2BKeMa0z4bQ WXQ5eYxE8ipJ%2BsSUMvImHI6GDiU%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_TF1uvQZA

PowerTrack are a good source of old car hydraulic components and spares. Also Past Parts and Coasting Ltd both of which do rebuilds too. Merlin Motorsport and Burton Power also sell genuine seal kits for Girling master cylinders.

https://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/

https://www.pastparts.co.uk/

http://www.coastings.co.uk/

https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/m/girling

https://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-brand/brands-g-to-i/girling.html

Cheers
Mike

[Edited on 13/10/24 by Mike Wood]

[Edited on 13/10/24 by Mike Wood]

[Edited on 13/10/24 by Mike Wood]

Thanks everyone. I've ordered the chinese clone of the mk4, and will see if I can rescue my original Girling one with a requild kit when I get chance. It looks too far gone to me though. It's been leaking a while, and since the car's been sat a while I've just not see it.

I have rebuilt many Girling master and slave cylinders over the years.
If the bore looks iffy, I use a bit of wood dowel (or even a pencil!) with a slot cut in the end. The shove some fine wire wool onto the slot to make a gentle honing tool. Lots of wd40 and a battery drill, keep it moving and it usually cleans teh bore up nicely.
It is also possible to get master cylinders reconditioned with stainless sleeves. Not cheap though. I think about £100 but never had one done.

Sadly may of the girling clone cylinders are now using "odd" seal kits which are not available to buy seperately. Be warned!

I've used partparts in the past.
I had a tandem MC which I couldn't find a replacement for.
When I went to rebuild I noticed that the bore has quite substantial pitting in it so had them re sleeve it.

A while ago now but 10 say turn around and came back ready to go.

hi again,
I've got my cortina master cylinder on, but the rod that plunges into it occasionally falls out (not good).
The original one was retained with a nylon clip, which I've got, but not re-fitted.
Do I just have to shove it back in, or do I need to order a new one? should I have assembled it all *before* I put the MC in?

Thanks,

Is it the rod that’s short ?

[Edited on 6/11/24 by jacko]

I think the rod's an adjustable length. I'll check tomorrow and lengthen it if it is. Cheers!