Well, after months of pouring over the forum I've finally reached the point where I have to ask for help. First, thanks go out to all the folks who contribute. I've learned sooo much because I knew sooo little!

Now, I've got 3 cars that sometimes weep brake fluid past the piston rod seal in the rear of the master cylinder and down the outside of the brake booster. The '83 300D I'm working on now only 'leaks' noticably when I flush the brake system with my homemade power bleeder at 3-5 psi. There are no noticable internal leaks, just the rear seal leaking. I've searched the forum and ebay for a source of rebuild kits but struck out. I've found master cylinders online and locally for about $64 but only one rebuild kit locally for $130! (the store's jobber price is $114!). As long as the MC bore isn't pitted I'd rather rebuild them than spend $200 for 3 new MC. Anyone know of a source of reasonably priced MC rebuild kits?

The other cars are a 82 300SD and a 80 240D.

Thanks again for all your help.

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Diesel Discussion. Where learning is FUN!

1983 300D 296k work in progress
1985 300D (sandwiched) parts
1980 240D engine issue

i havent been able to find them. last i had heard eveyone stopped selling them due to reliability. i would honestly spring for a rebuilt oem.

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have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

Yeah, I may have to spring for a rebuilt oem. Having to spring for 3 is what will hurt! It's against my nature to discard a component simply due to a worn 23 yo seal. I trust my judgement as to whether a MC is rebuildable. Perhaps the outrageous price quoted by my local parts store reflects an allowance for liability issues.?

Thanks for responding kmaysob.

Anyone out there have a source? I'm still looking!

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Diesel Discussion. Where learning is FUN!

1983 300D 296k work in progress
1985 300D (sandwiched) parts
1980 240D engine issue

It`s better to search by the rep.kit part number than by wehicle systems..
First browse through the Ate web catalogue
www.ate-brakes.com
or the EPC
http://detali.ru/cat/oem_mb.asp
to verify the rep.kit number for your vehicle and then use the Direct article search option.For example:
http://www.***************/search/productx.aspx?sid=3oxxsjrapbmkak55jpkir33w&partnumber=002%20586%2022%2043
86$ is still

i have rebuilt many mc and brake cyl. nowadays the rebuilt items seem pretty reasonable.

but i remember the days when i had to save up for a $20 part, and i once drove for several months with no muffler on my 62 fintail with an exhause system with about ten pieces of scrap pipe from my dad's garage corner and nine clamps. if you watched your shift points it wasnt too loud and at highway speeds at 60 it was unbearable but at 70 was downright quiet!

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

"i once drove for several months with no muffler on my 62 fintail"

LOL... Ah yes, the things we did to save a buck when we were young

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"