Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

[Larry E.]

Have question on brakes when car is in "Winter Storage" in Omni (Car Bag). 66 Corvette has
manual brakes(No Power Brake car) that uses Dot#5 brake fluid. Car will be stored in a non-
heated building in Illinois which means temps will vary from 100 To -10 Degrees for a 6 month
period. Doing some research I believe that the seals in the brake system will shrink and expand
somewhat (very small amount) when stored in this type of environment. Here is my question>
Does anybody see a problem if I have the brake pedal pushed down(Not at maximum distance)
during the whole 6 month period?? I have explained my problem on a previous thread so I am
not asking for why I'm doing this but if it is OK TO DO THIS. THANKS IN ADVANCE>LARRY
P.S. Thinking that a little applied pressure on the brake system will keep the shrinking/expansion
to a minimum. Comments always welcomed. Thanks

[John D.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

I rebuilt my 67 calipers which are all sleeved with conventional seals and DOT 5 fluid 25 years ago and have had no problems. Unheated garage but we dont see -10F in the winter.

[Duke W.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

I have explained my problem on a previous thread so I am
not asking for why I'm doing this but if it is OK TO DO THIS.

...odd thing to do. How about posting a link to the thread you are referring to.

Duke

[Bill M.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

It seems to me that having pressure on the system while the seals shrink will cause fluid to surly leak out until pressure is relieved. I live in Dutchess NY where we reach +5* often and have had no problems with fluid loss.

[Larry E.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

...odd thing to do. How about posting a link to the thread you are referring to.

Duke

Search and bring up>

"66 C2 DOT#5 Brake fluid "disappears" during Winter Storage"

This will give you my unique problem from the start. Larry>>Thanks again for response

[Larry E.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

Anybody else for a comment? Has anybody tried this before? (Leaving brake system
pressurized for an extended time?) I can see two ways for the outcome to be:

1) Being pressurized would force more fluid out.(Like Bill's comment above)

2) Being pressurized would force the seals to expand and make better contact
thus; less fluid would be forced out.

Thanks again>Larry

[Ronald L.]

[Larry E.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

[QUOTE=Ronald Lovelace (50931);950172]

[Patrick B.]

[Larry E.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

Patrick: Thanks for the Reply. Getting back to my question> Do you see any problem with the
brake pedal slightly depressed when car is in storage for an extended time? (6 Months In Car Bag)
Do you think this will keep to a minimum the expansion/shrinkage of the brake seals to a minimum?
Thanks again>Larry

[Patrick B.]

[Ronald L.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

Patrick,
Yes I missed keeping the system under pressure for 6 months...

The systems were never designed for that type of use - will address later.

Second - read my post, I had 1980 vintage silicone - great stuff. Vette Brakes supplied, out of business a decade by the time I am looking for a replacement.

2015 vintage silicone - read the label - is very different molecules.

And it was about that time 2020 that Lose Star and others started to sticker their boxes with the Dot 5 disclaimer.

Those were the facts as of 2020, and I began to experience issues with seals using new Dot 5....2018-2020.


Larry - no reason given why one would need to keep under pressure. System was not designed for that use mode. Leakage, I would espect.


That where park brakes, wheel chocks, wood block, jack stands etc come into play...

[Bill M.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

I used a short 2x4 to hold my heater box in place while I installed the blower motor box on engine side. Is this how you will apply pressure to th brake pedal ?

[Larry E.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

I used a short 2x4 to hold my heater box in place while I installed the blower motor box on engine side. Is this how you will apply pressure to th brake pedal ?

Bill: NO; just will use a 12" >>"Paint Mixer Stick" between the Brake Pedal and the lip of the
instrument panel. This puts the brake system at minimum applied pressure. Thanks-Larry

[Larry E.]

Re: Question For Our C2 Brake Experts

Thanks to all the response; few final thoughts>

From Ron>Larry - no reason given why one would need to keep under pressure. System was not designed for that use mode. Leakage, I would espect.
RON>PLEASE PULL UP MY ORIGINAL THREAD ON THIS SUBJECT.(SEE ABOVE HOW TO FIND IT) I HAVE
A VERY UNIQUE WAY OF STORAGE. EG.>WHERE I LIVE/TYPE OF BUILDING/OMNI BAG STORAGE/THE
VARIANCE OF TEMP/HUMIDITY FOR 6 MONTH STORAGE. You will see why I do this in this manner.

Patrick:Thanks again for your input on this subject. Larry