Regarding '76 300D with tandem master cylinder, second version from 029142
You might be able to add me to the ranks of suckers screwed by that jerk bigbabbo, or whatever his name is. After spending 1500 some odd dollars on Fastlane for the front end rebuild, I thought I might check competitors prices and save a few bucks. Based on a thread here, I found a site with better prices, ordered and installed the new looking master cylinder in ATE packaging.
Now after much bleeding, I cannot get proper braking or pedal feel. I've used the manual method with an assitant and opening and closing the bleed screw. Then I bought an eezibleed and ran fluid through each wheel. That didn't work, so I again attached the eezibleed, raised the rear end, then opened both rear bleed screws while pumping vigorously several times on the pedal, then did that on the front. With only slight improvement, I repeated it only opening one bleed screw at a time with the pressure bleeder attached and pumping the pedal. Still, braking is very minimal with brake effect only taking place when the pedal is mashed to the floor, very weak braking at that. I've made SURE that both compartments of the resevoir have been full while doing this.
The pedal should pump up and become firm even if there is air in the lines, only my pedal pumps up reluctantly and then sinks to the floor right away. I beat on the master cylinder a couple times with a brass hammer in case the floating piston may have gotten stuck. Another thing is the brake warning light will not go off, even after "resetting" the fluid level sensor switch.
The fluid level does not drop after repeated pumping of the pedal and no wetness is observed around the calipers indicating no malfunction of the wheel cylinders in my mind. However, there may be the possibility that the rear calipers froze while the car was being worked on over the last three months, while at the same time my front caliper reseal job may have been defective.
The pistons in the front caliper moved fairly easily after I rebuilt them, and I feel confident in my work.
The shame about it is that my old master cylinder was probably fine, no pedal fade noticed. I'd throw it on and check but I submerged it in a vat of ATF thinking I would keep it from rusting not know that oil contamination in the brake system was forbidden. (Still new at this $*#!)
What would you do next? I'm considering removing the master cylinder and taking it to my indy for inspection, or should I tow the car to him and let him have a go at the bleeding?
I do have a strong feeling that had I shopped with Phil, I wouldn't be having any of these problems.
Thanks for reading this rant. After 3 months of work and being so close to driving the old 115 again, I'm very annoyed at this delay.
FYI DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM MERCEDESPARTS.COM