Hi all, this is my first post since getting the 1984 Z28 barn find back on the road. It's taken alot of work and needs more but it is running well over all.

What I'm worried about most now is there is a heavy brake fluid leak that is dripping into the cabin onto the drivers side carpet. It seems to drip out from the right corner of the drivers upper kick panel.

I'm thinking the seal on the Master Cylinder is bad and fluid is getting into the Booster? I'm curious if anyone more familiar with these cars might know more on what could be the issue - or might be common issues with these cars.

There are no other brake fluid leaks and the Master Cylinder will suck through the front chamber of fluid QUICK.

Thanks in advance for any help and ideas!

 

Is this a manual or auto?

 

It's 4 speed manual.

 

All my thirdgens are auto. I did have an '79 Celica that did this and I found that it was the clutch cylinder push rod seal was leaking brake fluid onto the floorboard. If you haven't already check your clutch reservoir to see if the fluid is gone. Good luck.

 

Thanks, the clutch reservoir is the small round one next to the MC, correct? The fluid in there stays stable it seems. I have a Factory Service Manual coming in the mail soon so my ignorance might be dropped a touch!

 

Yes, you're right. Just a shot. That manual will come in handy. One of the first purchases I made in these forums was a service manual. Wouldn't want to be without one.

 

I just changed the brake booster on my Formula. It wasn't leaking fluid, but it was leaking vacuum.

 

The pedal doesn't seem too soft or hard, so I'm hoping the booster is still good - for now at least. If the MC is leaking through this much brake fluid it won't last long.

 

I would suspect the clutch master. Brake master has the booster diaphragm between it and the inside of the car. It is sealed or it wouldn't work well if at all. You can pull both masters and look at the back of them to see if they are leaking out the back without having to remove the lines or bleed them. Again, I would start with the clutch master.

 

Sounds like you need the MC/booster combo pack.

The MC obviously leaks, and the booster gets destroyed more or less immediately when that happens.

Leave the clutch stuff alone. You've already figured out that the fluid is coming from the brakes since that's where you have to add it back. Fix the brakes.

Just do it.

See my signature for some serious mental reinforcement.

Don't forget to bench bleed the MC before installation, lest your next several posts be something about "my brakes are mushy I've bled them a coupla gallons What's wrong".

 

"There are no other brake fluid leaks and the Master Cylinder will suck through the front chamber of fluid QUICK"

Overlooked that part, going to have to agree with sofa here, you will need master and booster. Having some ADD issues tonight I guess.

 

Thanks a ton everyone. I'll get right on it. The car sat for so long it's having a host of issues that are pretty much routine but they keep piling up. Just did the Heat Core - started leaking like mad - doing a pressure test made it basically drain like an open faucet. Starter, alternator, suspension etc etc. Fortunately parts for these cars are fairly inexpensive. Oh, and the exhaust was rusted out and fell off

The GOOD is the new 305 runs like a champ ... it's just getting all those peripheral components replaced from sitting for about 8 years. The block and tranny however are solid and the car can pull like a monster!

Thanks again for the info!