when i press on the brakes the pedal stays down and will not return. i can lift the pedal back and the brakes release is this a missing return spring or the booster and master not working properly?

 

could be, did you bleed the brakes, to remove the air, if you didn't that will do it

 

So the brakes actually work? just not return?

Check the plunger in the Master cyl, there is usually a plunger there that has a spring. might be corroded or worn out.

 

yeah i can press the pedal and they work. but as soon as i take my foot off the i have to reach down and pull the pedal back. so replacing the master i have to bench bleed and bleed the system anyways. only reason i ask is i live in the middle of the ocean and parts all have to be shipped in so if i get the wrong part it can be weeks for others to arrive

 

Ahh I see. Well honestly I don't know for sure. I can't really say without being there and looking at it. All I know is that I hate brakes with a passion for some reason.