Master Cylinder Reservoirs

[colinevans]

Hi guys
I’m in the process of renewing calipers, hoses and master cylinder. The reservoirs look very gunky, would it be wise to renew them? Seems sensible to me when everything else is going to be new. Or is there an easy way to clean/flush them?
Cheers
Colin

[wwheeler]

The plastic for the reservoir becomes stained over time and cannot be made to look new. In addition, there are seals for the floats that eventually degrade and turn to mush. If you like the patina of an old reservoir and the seals are good, you can use it. If not, there is now a reproduction of the original. In years past the Mercedes replacement "fit", but did not resemble the original style.   

[mbzse]

.../...is there an easy way to clean/flush them? .../...

Yes, certainly. Use soap and water (and a small brush) inside and out on the reservoir. When re-fitting it, you need new seals (O-rings) around the lids and floats; the rubber material must withstand brake fluid.

If you choose to replace the reservoir, some info in this thread:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=27773.msg199788#msg199788

[Vander]

Replace, they don't cost much. And you will never get it clean enough.

[Pawel66]

Yes, certainly. Use soap and water (and a small brush) inside and out ...

I found it amazing how much you can do with just soap, water and various kitchen brushes on greasy parts as well as on rubber parts when I was refreshing my W463 engine bay... amazing how effective these can be.

[MikeSimon]

I used "Dawn Ultra" dish soap as a degreaser on my engine and cylinder head. Worked better than any of the aerosol chemical stuff I have used in the past. And no worries about the environment!

[colinevans]

Thanks for the advice guys!

[colinevans]

I’ve removed the first caliper (that was on tight 😅!). One of the metal dust covers has degraded a little. I assume these fit inside the piston and over the large outside seal and move with the piston? Does anyone know if they can be bought separately? I can only see them as part of a caliper refurb kit- a bit of a waste when I have new calipers.
Thanks
Colin