new "offshore" front master cylinder
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- Jonesz
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new "offshore" front master cylinder
Ordered a master cylinder from an ebay seller that packages a Gl1000 front master cylinder and a clutch set-up. Haven't mounted the clutch perch etc. as yet but have had no success with the front brake master cylinder. My friend (a long time mechanic) and I have tried every way we could think of to bleed what feels like "air" in my brake system. The brake lever has a spongy feel and in a side by side with my 1100 feels like the brake system would be as Ralph Nader said "unsafe at any speed". Wondering if anyone else on this site has experienced the same brake feel after installing what seemed like a "bargain" replacement. I have just now written to the vendor asking for a replacement or repair kit for this system. BTW my 40 year old HONDA master cylinder works as it should after all these years, it just looked very worn and tired.
Jonesz
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
- RB
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
WHAT SELLER?? one to stay away from???
98 1500 SE..
99 1500 SE SOLD
97 SE 1500 SOLD
83 SOLD
82 REBUILT sold!!!
81 DAILY RIDER sold her ((!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!
80 REBUILT SOLD
79 IN BASKET PARTS FOR SALE
79 CLEANED UP AND SOLD
78 REBUILT SOLD
77 REBUILT SOLD
76 SOLD/PARTIAL REBUILD
76 REBUILT AND SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILD SOLD
FAIR WINDS,
RB
99 1500 SE SOLD
97 SE 1500 SOLD
83 SOLD
82 REBUILT sold!!!
81 DAILY RIDER sold her ((!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!
80 REBUILT SOLD
79 IN BASKET PARTS FOR SALE
79 CLEANED UP AND SOLD
78 REBUILT SOLD
77 REBUILT SOLD
76 SOLD/PARTIAL REBUILD
76 REBUILT AND SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILD SOLD
FAIR WINDS,
RB
- Jonesz
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
Not sure until I hear back from the seller. It may be a unforeseen manufacturing problem or? I wouldn't say that they are to stay away from until I hear/don't hear back from them. I have had other parts failures in the past and the one we are discussing here was a cheapo replacement. Just wondered if other folks on this site who have bought the same controls were happy. I did see a recent thread where similar levers/master cylinder were bought with no problem. I was particularly interested in whether the spongy feel was due to the "nature of the beast".RB wrote:WHAT SELLER?? one to stay away from???
Jonesz
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
-
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- Location: Texas
Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
A good few years ago I bought what was billed as a universal master cylinder from China. As soon as it was bled the viewing window melted. True story. Ended up with a CB900 NOS, still on there!
- jdvorchak
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
Here is the method I use on new master cylinders. I install it hook up everything but the brake line. But since you've been trying to bleed the system I advise this. First and foremost cover all of the painted surfaces with plastic and/or rags because fluid will be released as squirt. Remove the brake line from the master cylinder. Top up the master with fluid. Hold your thumb or finger over the brake line fitting where the brake line would attach. Slowly pump the brake lever, while holding your thumb over the outlet. At first you may feel vacuum then in one or two more pumps the fluid will push past your thumb. It may take quite a few pumps but it will eventually bleed the air out. Try to hold it and pump one or two more times. While still holding your thumb over the outlet let the brake lever return to it's relaxed position. Hook up the brake line and tighten. That is the only way to bleed a MC that I know that works every time. Top up the fluid level and you should be good to go. Good luck.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
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71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
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83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold
Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L
71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold
Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
I've got one of those ebay M/C's on my wife's cb350 and it too had a spongy feel to it at first but the spongyness seemed to go away after it sat overnight after I bled everything. It's been on the bike for a couple of years now and haven't had an issue with so far.
Scott
- Jonesz
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
Thanx all for the replies so far. Will try bleed the MC like your advise JDvorchak. I did get a reply back from the vendor. He would like a picture?? he also asked if the MC was hooked up to one or multiple calipers, although it was advertised to fit a 78 gl1000. Says he will try figure something out.
I was also wondering if the MC lacked capacity. You can visibly see the brake lines swell when the lever is pulled so was also wondering if braided brake lines would help the situation?
Just a couple of thoughts. There is a similar MC on my 83 gl1100 (installed by the previous owner))and it works fine, however in that case there is only one caliper being activated by the front lever due to the linked system on that bike.
I was also wondering if the MC lacked capacity. You can visibly see the brake lines swell when the lever is pulled so was also wondering if braided brake lines would help the situation?
Just a couple of thoughts. There is a similar MC on my 83 gl1100 (installed by the previous owner))and it works fine, however in that case there is only one caliper being activated by the front lever due to the linked system on that bike.
Jonesz
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
I would have to say that if you can see the brake hoses visibly swell (as opposed to just moving) then you have no chance of getting a firm lever, in fact there is a risk of complete brake failure - braided lines would be good
1976 GL1000 K1 19,006 miles
- Track T 2411
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
+1 on pre - bleeding the master cylinder, as well as investing in stainless steel lines. Night and day difference. My 2 cents...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- Jonesz
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- Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:03 pm
- Location: Manitoba, Canada
Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
Well guys we have tried almost everything with no joy and am now waiting for a second reply from the vendor. Last on our list is to find a suitable bolt to block the master cylinder and see if we can get a firm feel to the brake lever. Also going to check into SS brake lines to replace those 40 yr old ones. I misspoke when I said the old hoses swell and like Wingandaprayer mentioned they are basically moving not visibly swelling.
Jonesz
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
- Track T 2411
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
Have you disassembled the new master cylinder to make sure the innards are in the right order/ orientation? IIRC, someone here had a similar problem and the rubber was installed backwards. Just a thought...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- Jonesz
- Silver Member
- Posts: 906
- Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:03 pm
- Location: Manitoba, Canada
Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
Hey Track T, that will go on the list. My mechanic buddy mentioned that he has run across improper assembly in the past. Guessing nothing can be overlooked at this point so we will give that a try as a last resort. Wish I had ordered the MC with repair kit included as some on Ebay are. That should have been an indicator of quality right? As I said while my 40 year old Honda Master Cylinder is now unsightly due to the reservoir plastic deteriorating etc. it still works. I do like the lower profile of the new unit tho.and really hope to get it functioning properly.
Jonesz
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
- jdvorchak
- Honored Life Member
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- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
- Location: East Alton, IL
Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
Since you're basically just waiting now. Try this as a last resort. Put the bike on the sidestand. Turn the handle bars all the way to the left. Tie the brake lever down almost all the way to the grip with a bungee or wire or what ever. Leave it alone over night. Also helps if the master cylinder is positioned on the handle bar so the reservoir is the highest point with the brake line connection at the lowest part. Any trapped air bubbles will work their way to the top and with the lever tied back the spooge hole(s) is uncovered letting the air out.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L
71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold
Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L
71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold
Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
- Jonesz
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- Posts: 906
- Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:03 pm
- Location: Manitoba, Canada
Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
Kind of wondering.Got another reply back from the seller last night and he now says that the the master cylinder with the 14mm bore is not sufficient to properly work a two caliper system even though it was advertised to fit a 78 gl1000. He says that I require a master cylinder with a 16mm bore? I told him enough was enough and to either refund my $ or ship one with a 16mm bore as a replacement. We will see.
BTW Track T and others that have gone to stainless braided lines might be able to tell me if the new lines would enhance the brakes to a point where the 14mm master cylinder is adequate?
JDVorchak can't put it on the side stand right now as the tank and rear wheel are out of the bike. So on the lift it stays for now. Might try just cranking the handle bar over with the lever tied down anyway and the master cylinder in the best location to elevate the reservoir. If that doesn't work will try your trick once it comes off the lift. Thanx for that.
Have also contacted Apex and they have a braided four line kit for my bike. 3 for the front and one rear line. Might go that route anyway just to get rid of the 40 year old ones. They sent a reply and price (including freight) right away and seem helpful. Not cheap but they ship from Canada so don't have to go through customs etc. and payable in Canadian bucks so I know how much before I order.
BTW Track T and others that have gone to stainless braided lines might be able to tell me if the new lines would enhance the brakes to a point where the 14mm master cylinder is adequate?
JDVorchak can't put it on the side stand right now as the tank and rear wheel are out of the bike. So on the lift it stays for now. Might try just cranking the handle bar over with the lever tied down anyway and the master cylinder in the best location to elevate the reservoir. If that doesn't work will try your trick once it comes off the lift. Thanx for that.
Have also contacted Apex and they have a braided four line kit for my bike. 3 for the front and one rear line. Might go that route anyway just to get rid of the 40 year old ones. They sent a reply and price (including freight) right away and seem helpful. Not cheap but they ship from Canada so don't have to go through customs etc. and payable in Canadian bucks so I know how much before I order.
Jonesz
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
- Rat
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Re: new "offshore" front master cylinder
I can recommend Apex from personal experience ....
Gord
Gord
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‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
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