Brake Master Cylinders
I'm using these MATCO MC-5 master cylinders with the integral reservoir instead of the stock remote reservior and plastic tube. I got them at Chief aircraft for $75 each. The attach point are a little different, so I had to slightly modify the weldment a little. Otherwise they seem to be a nice upgrade.
Larry, thanks for the information regarding the MC-5 master cylinder. I also tried to use them but found that the reservoir was binding on the vertical post of the pedal weldment and limited the fwd travel of the pedal about an inch or so. Scott @Van's thinks this to be a no-no. Also Greg Happ @Matco suggests the reservoir be the highest point of the system otherwise wear of the discs will cause air to be sucked into the system (via the weakest seal)causing deterioration of the brakes.
Have you experienced any limtation of travel of the pedals, and what are your thoughts regarding the potential of getting air into the system??
I too would much prefer to not to use the firewall mounted reservoir and associated low press. lines.
Thanks for publishing, Larry!!
John D'Onofrio (Tailgummer@aol.com)
I checked the travel of the pedals when I fit the new master cylinders and all seemed good after I slightly relieved the top edge of the bottom attach points. There was no binding before everything bottomed out on the rudder stops. Based on your experience, I'll check again though.
I'll assume the Matco guy knows what he's talking about and regarding the placement of the reservoir. However, but I know many have gone with the alternate screw-in type reservoirs and put them on the stock master cylinders Van's supplies. I haven't heard of any problem with them, and they are not at the high point of the system.
I will diffinately keep a close eye on things though. Appreciate your input!