MGB: No brakes and now no brake lights!!

Hello all:
I had a scary moment today - I am driving on the highway and all of a sudden I hit the brakes and they go all the way to the floor. I had to pump it a couple of times to build up some pressure. This continued until I got home. I checked the brake fluid - I noticed two caps to open a large one and a smaller one near the master cylinder. They were both filled with a clear colorless liquid [brake fluid I guess] I also don't have brake lights either...very unusual!
You help and suggestions are needed.

The large cap is the brakes, and the small cap is the clutch. Sounds like your brake master cylinder is bad, or some how you got air in the lines. If the reservoir was full, I would say it was not a major leak. Sounds like MC.

Try flushing the old brake fluid out. Sometimes a M/C will go quite a while with new fluid.

which brake fluid should I use? Would a regular mechanic have what we use or should I supply him with it?

could also be that you have a front caliper sticking, it got REAL hot, and it boiled the brake fluid. boiling break fluid has air bubbles in it just like water and feels just like brakes that need bleeding...nothing there when you push the pedal. it is not low on fluid and it returns to normal operation...usually...when it cools. i really advise that you (or someone you trust) check the calipers. you could probably do a quick check yourself...even if you're not terribly mechanical...by checking the front brake pads. if one side is sticking alot that pad will be worn alot more than the other side.

good luck!

Castrol LMA Dot 4 works well.

If this happened to me I would replace or rebuild the MC. There is ABSOLUTELY no reason the brakes shouldn't work the first time every time, no if ands or buts.

michaelodonnell123 Wrote:

I have to find out whether its a sticky caliper or a bad master cylinder. I don't want to replace the master cylinder when it might be a sticky caliper. I will look further into this and keep you posted.

For the brake lights, check to see if you have power to the brake light switch. If you do check the output of the switch.
Check to see if you have power to the lamps.

Can you tell me where this switch is located?