Starting - Woah Neddy Woah!

[Kevin]

Well Pete you forgot Willies (and so did he this time) golden rule think simple and check the simple things 1st, manually rather than just looking.
I would also check that the spring is not overstretched as it has been in the wrong position for quite some time.

[rayofleamington]

I've put it down to the cylinders sticking in the out position

winger300,
well not being picky but that's not quite whaqt happens. The pistons are held out by pressure due to the one way valve in the MC. Over a longer time the fluid leaks back and the pistons travel home. Then you need to push the pedal to the floor before the brakes work - Adjusting the brakes means the pistons don't have to travel far from home position, so you never get the extra travel after leaving it overnight.

Peetee,
Long pedal travel out of the blue (especially in winter) often means you've run out of brake fluid!!
The MC leaks more in winter as the temperature affects the seals.
Check the fluid and top up if required - If it's leaking you probably need a new MC.

Ray

[Peetee]

oh dear! was there just air in the system

There's plenty between my ears

[Peetee]

Long pedal travel out of the blue

On this occasion I just had to pump the pedal a couple of times and then the brakes were fine. This has happened before when it was in the garage for some time (I never leave the handbrake on - only leave it in gear). The only other occurance was once when I'd been driving for about 1/2 hour when it went to the floor once (damn scary at the time) and then it was fine. It's hard to judge the brakes at all as it's driven so rarely now and all my other driving is with modern tin. The brakes do seem vague, but powerful enough and I don't feel I need a servo at all.

[Willie]

KEVIN, I did start off with the simple suggestions but Petee
said they did not apply! Still a great motto though...THINK
SIMPLE.

[Kevin]

Sorry Willie on re-reading you are right of course

[brixtonmorris]

this has got to be the funniest title for a post,