Clutch reservoir options

[Got the Bug]

Are there any bolt-on options to replace the Wilwood clutch reservoir?

I installed a new reservoir, but still had to tweak around with it a bit to stop the leak. It seems ok now, but the overall design of the reservoir is poor and prone to possible leaks.

[Randy Rosenberg]

Top of the Hill (925-449-3330) sells this unit to replace the plastic clutch reservoir that comes with SPFs...



YMMV,
Randy R...

[Got the Bug]

Thanks Randy. I spoke to Craig at Top of the Hill earlier this week. He only sells the reservoir as part of kit that includes the aluminum lines that replace the rubber resevoir hose and brake master hose. Pretty pricey and takes about 4 hours to install.

I thing I'll stick with Wilwood for now.

[RedBarchetta]

Here's another approach:



I bought the reservoir from a street rod supply shop off the 'Net. Of course, I got it home and then realized that the bracket it came with would not protrude enough off the firewall to clear the throttle linkage. I then reached out to fellow CC member Rob Frink and he (based on my drawings and measurements) CNC machined that neat little spacer that you see against the firewall. Bingo...instant, leakproof reservoir. BTW, this photo does Rob's work no justice, as it's actually a triangular shaped spacer with different depths.

It's been so long, I honestly don't recall where I got the reservoir from. Rob may still have the CNC program to whittle another, but you'd have to reach out to him.

-Dean #747

[CSCHWER]

Does the stock Wilwood mount with blind nuts on the newer SPF's?
Chet

[Got the Bug]

Chet - The new SPFs bolt directly on to the firewall, so there's no need to get up behind the dash to replace reservoir.

Dean - Thanks for the idea. Did the width of the reservoir bracket match up with the holes on the firewall (after passing through the spacer)?

[RedBarchetta]

Doug, I designed the spacer to utilize the existing holes on the Wilwood bracket. However, they only matched up for the lower portion of my custom bracket/spacer...I had to drill new upper holes to get it to mount properly. That's the only bummer on this option...held in by four bolts. But at least it's not going anywhere!

-Dean

[Got the Bug]

My clutch resevoir leak seems to fixed (for now). Stange but true tip from Willwood's techincal support guy...dip the top portion of the resevoir in boiling water, then mount it on the base and tighten the clamp (and dry thoroughly).

I've noticed that the hose that runs from the clutch resevoir the master cylinder appears to be sweating. The resevoir and is bone dry and there's no leakage from the hose clamp connection. Any ideas?

[SJK2]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

I've noticed that the hose that runs from the clutch resevoir the master cylinder appears to be sweating. The resevoir and is bone dry and there's no leakage from the hose clamp connection. Any ideas?

Mine seems to sweat also, maybe bad hoses ?? spf2189

[RedBarchetta]

Synthetic brake fluids have been known to sweat. Are you using just regular DOT 3 or 4? Otherwise, it's the type of rubber hose that you are using.

-Dean

[Got the Bug]

Dean,

I re-filled the resevoir with regular Dot 3. It only happens if I let the car sit for few days. If I drive the car for a couple of days in a row, the reservoir line stays dry.

I guess I'll replace it over the winter. Any suggestions for a super high quality rubber line? If I remove the whole reservoir line, will I need to bleed the entire system or just the clutch master? The hose end that attaches to the master cylinder looks like it's going to be a bear to get at.

[mrp_e]

i'm in the same boat. car sat for two weeks, and sure enough - checked her tonight and the resevoir is completely empty. and the rubber tube is sweating. what a pain in the ass.

[Got the Bug]

mrp e - I battled two different problems with the clutch reservoir. First there was a leak where the hose attaches to the bottom of the reservoir. Then, the reservoir itself was leaking where the clamp holds the top/bottom piece of the reservoir together.

You might want to check to see if you have any other leaks. If your reservoir is empty, it may be the something else (unless the hose has completely deteriorated).

I'm going to replace the hose when I get a chance.

[Got the Bug]

Circling back with another question regarding the clutch reservoir.

I'm planning on replacing the rubber hose that goes from the clutch reservoir to the master cylinder. Once I replace it, will I need bleed the entire system or just the clutch master?

[CHANMADD]

Yes, and take note it is not just a rubber hose.VW dealers and aftermarket VW parts houses sell a hose that is cloth braided on the outside in blue,but this is about the only correct "Brake Fluid" hose that I could find.I also used a reservoir from a them.Normal rubber hoses will begin to sweat pretty rapidly and you will notice that the fluid goes black rather quickly as well from the rubber.

[Murphy]

Look in your local yellow pages for a commercial hydraulic hose supplier in your town. You can get the correct hose and they can fabricate and do it at a cost far less than parts stores or car dealer parts.

[SantaFe66]

I had the same problem with Wilwood reservoirs. I called the tech line and they suggested replacing the o'ring and heating up the top before putting it on. He also suggested that I not tighten the wire clamp too tight and make sure the wires straddle the o'ring. Seems it deforms the joint when you over tighten it and then it leaks. Just a gentle tighten and it hasn't leaked since.

Good luck.

[CSCHWER]

Mine also had mold lines in the plastic that I sanded off. Then I tightnened the clamp with a "big" screwdriver. We'll see if it starts leaking again when I can heat the engine compartment up. Has Olthoff released the aluminum reserviors yet?
Chet

[1966plus]

SC parts in the UK offer these

Parts for classic Cars - SC Parts -

They are a re manufactured Austin Healey part (also used on the Mk.II GT40) and are stamped Girling on the screw on top.
Hope that is a little help from over here on the other side of the pond.