Quote:
Originally Posted by edge
Thanks guys. I just topped it off so I will have to wait to see if it is lower on the front or back of the reservoir. I didn't see a partition in the reservoir? The pedal is firm but the travel is longer over the past month. So do I just get a new master cylinder seal and install and bleed the system? No ABS in the 83, I think only the 85 has ABS brakes.
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The partition in the reservoir is there, but not readily visible. It works in such a way that as you fill the reservoir only one half fills until the fluid level reaches the top of this partition, or baffle, and then the second side starts to fill. Then, at some point, both sides fill equally as it's above the baffle.
It may be hard to tell if just one side is leaking if you're topping off regularly as under the same principle as above fluid level drops equally across both sides until you've gotten the level below the baffle at which point the fluid would then only lower on the side the leak is on (assuming it's a leak at a line or caliper). Just to note, in case you weren't aware, this design it to ensure a leak from something like a ruptured brake hose only takes out 1/2 of your brake system. It's a safety measure.
That said, generally speaking when you're losing fluid but you can't see where it is going it is most likely leaking out of the back of the MC.
If you find it is leaking, I'd say your best bet is to pick up a new or reman master cylinder. Inexpensive, decent quality remans with lifetime warranties can be found at Napa. New ATE master cylinders are a bit pricey but another option.
And just to clarify something else, as someone who owns an '85, ABS was only an option in that year. It was not standard.