Cleaning metal brake line inner walls

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Some Guys ...

Considerable rust from line corrosion, however, will move toward/into the caliper with each brake bleeding, and then the trouble starts.

Yes, Chuck, I was joking about that 6 inches. Like Chuck said, the fluid will continually move to the caliper with each bleeding.

So if you get worried about rust in the calipers, simply flush the whole system. Then the only rust you get is new rust that forms in the lines.

When you figure most people drive a car and NEVER flush the lines out, if you flush them every year or two, you will have cleaner lines and ones that last far longer than anyone ever imagined. I imagine that your '68 had the odds of having the brkaes flushed maybe twice in its life, if typical since the early '80s so many rushed off to silicone fluid. And it made it 30 some years before you took it apart.

So if you flush once a year, those lines will last until your grandchildren's grandchildren are asking about this '68 Corvette and what type of mysterious liquid gets inserted in all the parts like these skinny lines from wheel to wheel and this big metal tank in the rear.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Some Guys ...

Considerable rust from line corrosion, however, will move toward/into the caliper with each brake bleeding, and then the trouble starts.

Yes, Chuck, I was joking about that 6 inches. Like Chuck said, the fluid will continually move to the caliper with each bleeding.

So if you get worried about rust in the calipers, simply flush the whole system. Then the only rust you get is new rust that forms in the lines.

When you figure most people drive a car and NEVER flush the lines out, if you flush them every year or two, you will have cleaner lines and ones that last far longer than anyone ever imagined. I imagine that your '68 had the odds of having the brkaes flushed maybe twice in its life, if typical since the early '80s so many rushed off to silicone fluid. And it made it 30 some years before you took it apart.

So if you flush once a year, those lines will last until your grandchildren's grandchildren are asking about this '68 Corvette and what type of mysterious liquid gets inserted in all the parts like these skinny lines from wheel to wheel and this big metal tank in the rear.

[Chuck S.]

OK, You Didn't Like The String Idea...

How about this, Chuckster...Get yourself a oil-change pan or shallow open container that will hold about two gallons of mineral spirits. Find yourself a small electric pump like an aquarium pump or parts cleaner pump. Place the pump in the pan of solvent, connect the pump outlet to the end of the brake line using 3/8" rubber fuel hose, and use the same type fuel hose on the other end of the brake line to return the solvent to the pan. Plug in the pump and let it circulate the solvent until the line is clean. This is a variation of the pour and blow technique (call it pump and blow; could take days).

It would also be advisable to remove this "cleaning system" from your garage to an open area like the center of your back yard or patio, and protect it from small animals (large animals if you have them) and children. (Dang the neighbors, full resto speed ahead.) Uh...and, just to be sure, you will probably want to double-check that your homeowners insurance is current and in force.

Like ole Edison said...just because one idea doesn't work, that doesn't mean it's a failure...it just means that's one idea you won't have to look at again.

(Warning: Do not try this at home. Any ideas or concepts derived from the above post should be considered solely as humorous content for entertainment of my ole Chuckster-Bud.)

[Chuck S.]

OK, You Didn't Like The String Idea...

How about this, Chuckster...Get yourself a oil-change pan or shallow open container that will hold about two gallons of mineral spirits. Find yourself a small electric pump like an aquarium pump or parts cleaner pump. Place the pump in the pan of solvent, connect the pump outlet to the end of the brake line using 3/8" rubber fuel hose, and use the same type fuel hose on the other end of the brake line to return the solvent to the pan. Plug in the pump and let it circulate the solvent until the line is clean. This is a variation of the pour and blow technique (call it pump and blow; could take days).

It would also be advisable to remove this "cleaning system" from your garage to an open area like the center of your back yard or patio, and protect it from small animals (large animals if you have them) and children. (Dang the neighbors, full resto speed ahead.) Uh...and, just to be sure, you will probably want to double-check that your homeowners insurance is current and in force.

Like ole Edison said...just because one idea doesn't work, that doesn't mean it's a failure...it just means that's one idea you won't have to look at again.

(Warning: Do not try this at home. Any ideas or concepts derived from the above post should be considered solely as humorous content for entertainment of my ole Chuckster-Bud.)

[Mike Cobine]

Re: OK, You Didn't Like The String Idea...

Is this in tune with the electric fuel pump in the gas tank idea? I know those pumps are sealed, and when fully immersed in gasoline, perfectly safe.

But do you know how many run out of gas? And we all know how electric motors arc when spinning free with no load.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: OK, You Didn't Like The String Idea...

Is this in tune with the electric fuel pump in the gas tank idea? I know those pumps are sealed, and when fully immersed in gasoline, perfectly safe.

But do you know how many run out of gas? And we all know how electric motors arc when spinning free with no load.

[Chuck R.]

Re: How about this?

I was contemplating using my syphon rust proofing gun full of mineral spirits and blowing it through the lines into a sealed clean five gallon pail with the pour spout! Agitated and forcefull (Hmm kinda like me )

The ONLY reason I'm pursuing this is that 1) the lines are pristine and 2) the rust is extreemly slight.

They're going on come hell or high water!!

The neighbors might think Ah come up wit sam new fangled arut form if they see a half dozen metal lines pointed skyward spouting fluid into da air

Thanks for the feedback and ahem.....creative suggestions......Charles

Chuckster

[Chuck R.]

Re: How about this?

I was contemplating using my syphon rust proofing gun full of mineral spirits and blowing it through the lines into a sealed clean five gallon pail with the pour spout! Agitated and forcefull (Hmm kinda like me )

The ONLY reason I'm pursuing this is that 1) the lines are pristine and 2) the rust is extreemly slight.

They're going on come hell or high water!!

The neighbors might think Ah come up wit sam new fangled arut form if they see a half dozen metal lines pointed skyward spouting fluid into da air

Thanks for the feedback and ahem.....creative suggestions......Charles

Chuckster

[Chuck S.]

Aw, Mike,...Arc, Schmark...

Don't be such killjoy; besides, the brake line is pretty much fireproof, and all the other material is expendable. Hence the warning to keep animals and children away...(of course, some of the neighborhood subjects may deserve closer observation.)

But, Chuckster will have to wait until the neighbors are away from their houses...I had one neighbor call the fire department on me once. Nothing ticks a dedicated fireman off more than being called out in the humid, gulf coast heat in heavy slicker gear, with helmet and axe, ready to combat the conflagration, and find a smoldering compost pile. (I had giant hornets in it...what was I supposed to do, call an exterminator?)

[Chuck S.]

Aw, Mike,...Arc, Schmark...

Don't be such killjoy; besides, the brake line is pretty much fireproof, and all the other material is expendable. Hence the warning to keep animals and children away...(of course, some of the neighborhood subjects may deserve closer observation.)

But, Chuckster will have to wait until the neighbors are away from their houses...I had one neighbor call the fire department on me once. Nothing ticks a dedicated fireman off more than being called out in the humid, gulf coast heat in heavy slicker gear, with helmet and axe, ready to combat the conflagration, and find a smoldering compost pile. (I had giant hornets in it...what was I supposed to do, call an exterminator?)