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Author Topic: Storing a master cylinder  (Read 1071 times)

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Offline Tim2005

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Storing a master cylinder
« on: April 18, 2021, 12:48:20 PM »
I recently took a decent master cylinder (77 Goldwing type) off one of my bikes and have a rough plan for a use for it in the future. I imagine it'll be a few years though. Has anyone found a way to store them for a reasonable time? In the past, every one I've stored for a while hasn't survived well at all.
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Offline Translations

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2021, 01:07:02 PM »
What I like to do is clean it really well, give it a light coat of wd40 than just seal it up in Saran Wrap.
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Online bryanj

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2021, 02:15:58 PM »
Put fluid in it and bleed it then plug the outlet hole. Store it the rightway up
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Offline Don R

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2021, 04:43:22 PM »
 I'm not a fan of old brake fluid. Just saying.
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2021, 05:01:11 PM »
Quote from: Translations on April 18, 2021, 01:07:02 PM
What I like to do is clean it really well, give it a light coat of wd40 than just seal it up in Saran Wrap.

+1 to this.
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Offline Airborne 82nd

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2021, 06:41:25 PM »
For long term storage I would take it apart blow it out put some grease in the bore.  Then on small parts like this my food saver is the weapon of choice.
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Offline slikwilli420

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2021, 12:15:26 PM »
Remember that brake fluid is hygroscopic so storing with fluid in it will invite moisture to settle in the bore. I would either store it bone dry and sealed in a bag or possibly disassemble and store in the same manner. Either way, brakes are pretty important so unless storage is short term, I would plan on replacing the seals when put back into service.
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Offline Tim2005

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2021, 02:49:38 PM »
Interesting options, thanks. One further idea I've had, how about draining/flushing the old fluid, then filling it with DOT 5 silicone fluid, isn't that stuff meant to last a long while?
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Online bryanj

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2021, 03:22:52 PM »
Not 100% sure but i think i read that if you go to dot5 you need to replace seals not just flush
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Offline dave500

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2021, 12:31:57 AM »
store it in pieces,clean then use rubber grease on the parts,dont store them assembled for years.
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Offline craz1

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2021, 07:46:54 AM »
Quote from: dave500 on April 21, 2021, 12:31:57 AM
store it in pieces,clean then use rubber grease on the parts,dont store them assembled for years.
[/quote

This would be the best option, you cant just use any petroleum product on those seals. It needs to be compatible with the DOT 3/4 that is used in the system. I would clean them, but a new seal kit, but only install the new kit when ready to use it.
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Offline Don R

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Re: Storing a master cylinder
« Reply #11 on: April 21, 2021, 08:10:26 AM »
 So, tossing them in a tote isn't the best way to store long term?
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