1954 brake line leak

[Guy M.]

Looks like I developed a leak at the front wheel cylinder connection and it removed some paint on the back of back plate. Whats the best thing to clean it up so I can repaint it? Carb cleaner? Thanks again!!

[Mark E.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

Guy,

To prep a metal surface for paint that's contaminated with brake fluid, begin by cleaning with brake cleaner, let dry, then apply wax/tar remover with a lint free cloth or paper towel, then scuff/sand as needed. I wouldn't use carb cleaner because it will leave a residue that isn't friendly to paint.

I don't have a '54 (nice car; wish I did), but I suspect the backing plate may need to be removed to properly refinish it. Do you know the correct color/finish for this part?

[Guy M.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

Thanks Mark, did as you said and it worked perfectly. I did remove the back plate, that's the only way to do it correctly. These new systems are hard to get sealed, you really have to crank down more than you would think. Any kind of sealants to aid in this such as between washers and the like?

[Mark E.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

I'm not clear what you're asking. Would you re-phrase the question?

Are you asking how to seal/protect a finish? Or thread sealant?

[Guy M.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

I was just curious if there was a thread/flare sealant of any kind. Generally I just really crank down on it to seal those new flares. Thanks again. Guy

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

No sealant is used on brake lines. They always install dry. If you have a fluid leak, disassemble and look for small burrs that would prevent a seal between the two mating surfaces.

Jim

[Mark E.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

That's right. Maybe use WD-40 or similar to ensure threads don't bind/strip and flare seats fully.

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

That's right. Maybe use WD-40 or similar to ensure threads don't bind/strip and flare seats fully.

Never hurts to lubricate threads to ease assembly.

I'd probably use brake fluid instead of WD40, though, to avoid any risk of contaminating the system.

Jim

[Tim E.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

Guy - I was introduced to a product called "EZ Turn (Fuellube)" sold by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. It comes in a 5oz tube which will be a lifetime supply! The sealant was developed for the aircraft industry and is used on the faces of the mating surfaces of both brake and fuel line connections. Spread a small amount right where the tubing flare or, in this case, both sides of the crush washer touch. The sealant comes out of the tube the consistency of caulk and remains semi-hard. It is designed for use with fuels and brake fluid. Tim

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

In looking at the spec sheet for EZ Turn, I don't see where it's rated for possible contact with brake fluid.

You can read the specs here:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pdf/09-00180tech.pdf

Jim

[Gary C.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

Jim,

All I know is that it works good on brake lines and especially on sealing the big nut on the '57 master cylinder.

Gary
....

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 break line leak

Weeeeelllllll, nothing succeeds like success, so if you've used it and it works, that's great. Still I'm pretty particular about what comes in contact with or could come in contact with my brake fluid. I'll take a pass on EZ Turn in this application.

Jim