Apologies if this has been asked before, I can't seem to find anything recently discussed.

I'm at the point where I want to fit a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid to supply the brake and clutch circuits (it's a hydraulic clutch). Now I was wondering what people have got through an SVA test with? I'm aware that a fluid level/warning device is needed on the brake fluid reservoir, but is one also required on the clutch circuit?

Also, as i have 3 master cylinders (front brakes, rear brakes and clutch) then how many reserovirs will be needed? is it okay to supply all three master cylinders from one, common reservoir, with a low fluid warning device? or does Mr SVA want to see seperate reservoirs on each circuit?

Which leads me onto the next question: Does anyone know any where to buy SVA freindly reservoirs that are fairly low profile?

Cheers folks!
Andy

AFAIK production cars dont have clutch level warning (as a safety device that is).

Need to check book about the master cylinders. I thought each brake reservoir had to have its own level warning. What do the kit manufacturers like Luego supply for this?

There needs to be some device that warns of brake fluid problems - this can be either a float in the reservoir, or a pressure switch in the brake line. the second option may be better if you want 2 brake fluid reservoirs.
Car Builder Solutions can sell you both options! (the link is for their dual-output bottle with switch).

There is no requirement for a clutch fluid warning light.

cheers,
David

[Edited on 2/6/05 by David Jenkins]

Okay, so the clutch can run without the fluid level warning device, but the brake circuits need them. And it is best to have a seperate resevoir for each circuit?

Three resevoirs here we come!

Out of interest, can anyone see anything potentially wrong with one reservoir with a low fluid level warning device, that supplies all three hydraulic circuits?

cheers
Andy

You dont need level warning on the clutch.

Just opened this months PPC. Lego leaflet inside. Remote double brake fluid reservoirs with cap and warning level float jobby - £47. Remote mounting.

I subscribed to PPC a couple of weeks ago now (over the web). When do they usually send out the Subs copies?

I like the look of the Carbuilder ones at the link posted above though. I might have to print a picture of it out, and try it on my car to see if it is going to fit under the bonnet!

cheers
Andy

quote:

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Originally posted by bigandy
Out of interest, can anyone see anything potentially wrong with one reservoir with a low fluid level warning device, that supplies all three hydraulic circuits?

cheers
Andy

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Good point that.....

I've been wondeirng though, what is so special about the low level warning? is it something that can be homebrewed? I'm sure a little level sensor/switch can be added to a cap pretty easily. Then I would be able to choose from a large number of reservoirs suitable for brake fluid!

Does anyone know what sort of plastic is used in the production/SVA approved ones?

Cheers
Andy

A twin resevoir is made so there is a comon fluid area at the top but separate lower sections in the resevoir so if one circuit leaks the level light will be activated by the drop in the upper area but the non leaking circuit will still have a supply of fluid in its separate lower section.

Now that is genius......!

Has anyone else got a links to suppliers of reservoirs?

cheers
Andy

www.mnrltd.co.uk

regards

marc

Some modern cars use a single reservoir for both the brake and clutch systems , the take off pont for the clutch is higher up in the reservoir than the brake cylinder connections. Think some Audis use remote cylinders ?. Don't forget to use the correct connecting hose .

As rusty says most cars with hydraulic clutchs take the fluid off the brake cyl. So problem with either will throw the light on when the level drops.

Darren at GTS tuning does the remote double reservoir with sensor for £25, thats what im gonna get, also need the feed pipes then but shouldnt be too hard to get, europa sell them.
I can highly recomend mnr, their prices are nearly impossible to beat and marc is very helpful.

I am going to use a nice stainless reservoir with three outlets to supply the two brake and 1 clutch reservoir. My mate Clive (Custom Solutions) makes them, this is one of his stainless header tanks,




I'll be getting one of these (not the same shape!) for the 7 too.

There's nothing for SVA that says that the fluid has to be seperated from one outlet to the next is there??

Clive will be using a level sensor that screws into the side of the reservoir, RS sell them in a brake fluid-proof plastic.

PS if anybody needs a stainless fabrication or profile or VIN plate etc, let me know and I'll pass you on to him, his work is extremely fastidious, though his website has not been updated for a bit as he is too busy with work!!

here's his site:

Custom Solutions

PS: the header tank was around £70, and a triple brake fluid reservoir excl cap and level sensor would probably be around £40-£50, and they won't go dull and corrode like ally tanks.

[Edited on 3/6/05 by NS Dev]

That looks rather snazzy! It sounds like a bit of a bargain as well. I notice that places like Merlin are selling a twin outlet plastic reservoir for around £50.

I don't suppose you have an RS part number for the level sensor do you? I would be really interested in getting a stainless one made up too. I'm not 100% certain of the dimensions I need to specify though, mainly because I am not 100% sure of the space available!

Cheers
Andy

Andy , just be aware that the connecting kit sold by Europa IS NOT correctly marked as required by SVA I originally used a kit from them but changed the hose for one that complied., May be worth doing a search?

I knew the connecting hose must be marked suitable for brake fluid for SVA reasons. I didn't know about the Europa one not being suitable though. Cheers for the heads up!

I'm really tempted to get a custom made stainless reservoir made up, and fit some proper unions to it, so I can use a Goodridge flexi hose to connect it to the master cylinder. at least it would match the rest of the car then bit pricey though!

cheers
Andy