Brake and Clutch Fluid Reservoirs (Again!)

[Series 1]

I know this topic has been covered before whilst discussing "sweating" fluid hoses, but...

I just went out to my garage for the first time in a while and found a large puddle of brake fluid under the car. Investigation found everything below fluid reservoirs soaked and puddles of fluid in every nook and cranny. 2 of my (new) reservoirs have split down the nipples under the new (Cohline) hoses. Original brass filter inserts are fitted inside the reservoirs. That's now 3 bottles I've had this problem with and, as has been mentioned before, it's not a cheap replacement. The bottles are of an appaling quality (plastic akin to a disposable yoghurt carton) even though from a well known supplier.

I put my first split down to bad luck but now I'm really annoyed at poor quality, especially as some new paint has suffered. I'm guessing it's partly my fault for overtightening clamps as I'm paranoid about leaks but does anyone know of a good quality reservoir supplier or a way of avoiding this? (apart from overtightening clamps obviously!).

Car's been finished since June so it's taken 5 months for this to manifest.

Thanks

Angus

[vee12eman]

Hi Angus,

I concur with your assessment of the reservoirs. As I was converting from Auto to manual, I bought a new clutch reservoir and I also replaced a brake reservoir. Both failed in the manner you describe, although in slightly different locations, both within a year of completing the car. I bought both from a company who were proud to show me their moulding tool which makes these items, but this was so many years ago it would be unfair to identify them as there is a fair chance they have modified their process since then.

I bought replacements from SNG, so far these are holding up, but I note that they are now in the process of manuafacturing new ones with brass inserts in them. They bought the original company (Sovy), who made these reservoirs in the first place. There is some debate about the originality of the reservoirs with brass inserts, but hopefully, these new reservoirs are going to be good.

For full details refer to Julian Barrats "banter" in the latest issue of the club magazine, or contact them direct. I have no vested interest in recommending them or otherwise; most of the parts for my restoration came from them, but there were one or two which disappointed me. On the whole they are my preferred supplier, but that's all.

Regards,

Simon

[PeterCrespin]

All the dozen or so filters I have removed from original bottles have been steel tubes with nylon mesh filters epoxied over the wide part inside the bottle. Never seen a brass one but it would be a nice upgrade to have non-rusting parts.

Pete

[Series 1]

Simon, Thanks very much for your reply. Likewise I've ordered a lot of mostly good parts from SNG. My failed reservoirs were from one of their competitors who are fairly close me. Convenient but not so good in my opinion. I'll hold out for some of the new ones you describe as the car is off the road for winter.

Thanks again.

Angus

[Heuer]

This should help clear up the misunderstanding about the quality and build of the original reservoirs:

From the E-Type Magazine - article by Julian Barratt.

[PAUL MORRIS]

I have had the puddles x times so finally
I use thick glue at base of bottle and know us
Is perfect. I can't find another way.

[PeterCrespin]

I have had the puddles x times so finally
I use thick glue at base of bottle and know us
Is perfect. I can't find another way.

The other way is to use yellowed old but sound bottles with pride, instead of buying new to get then white and shiny.

Pete

[PAUL MORRIS]

Your dam Right but mine were thrown away
I nosed in some garages but could not find any.
Incredible how simple things took me months
To overcome. But last week it was -4 nice blue sky
And she started with a growl after sitting for
A month Thks ctec and drove for 20 mins with a
Smile. Can't beat the noise of a VSE stage 2 when cold
Out