vacum tank removal

[Richard R.]

How is the best way to remove the vacum tank on a 72 without power brakes? Do you have to disconnect the brake lines?

[Paul O.]

Re: vacum tank removal

Richard you can ether gain access by removing the side grill or the lower shield behind the well well. Ether way you would have to remove the Evap canister. That is better then removing the master cylinder and bleeding the brake system. Paul 18046

[Richard R.]

Re: vacum tank removal

Paul
Thanks for feed back. I tried your suggestion but the tank won't go past the wire harness connection on the firewall, does that mean you have to undo the wire harness?

[Paul O.]

Re: vacum tank removal

Richard then the only other alternative is to remove the master cylinder and brake lines. Unless you feel comfortable disconnecting the wire harness. Paul 18046

[Richard R.]

Re: vacum tank removal

Paul

I removed the wire connectors at the bulkhead and I still can't get the tank out - it is just to big. i twisted it every which way and it won't go through the opening. AmI missing something?

Rich

[Dennis S.]

Re: vacum tank removal

Richard

I tried removing the vacuum tank on my '69 when I first got it and gave up after several hours in total frustration. BTW, I have manual brakes and transmission. Even removed the master cylinder, brake lines and electrical connector.

During a recent engine removal, I removed all those items again, as well as the clutch linkage, rag joint and steering gear. Then I could get it out. Still took me quite a while to maneuver it back in without scratching the new paint finish. It only goes in one way, I just can't remember exactly now because I drank too many beers.

I guess the GM engineers did not figure it would ever need to be removed.

[Pat M.]

Re: vacum tank removal

Richard - do you want to remove it to fix leaks? If so, and if the leaks are not too bad, you can fix them without removing the tank.

My 70's tank had minor leaks, and realizing what a bear it would be to remove, I just unbolted it. Then, after removing the side grill, I was able to move the tank just enough to get access to both sides. Then I used soapy water on the outside while blowing INTO the tank to find all the leaks, and then used epoxy to fill in the cracks.

It's not a perfect fix, but I can raise AND lower my headlights after two full minutes with just reserve vacuum, which should be more than enough to even pass PV. And it's a heck of a lot easier than removing all that other stuff.

Good Luck

[Richard R.]

Re: vacum tank removal

Pat

I was going to test it for leaks and paint it, but I think I will take your advice and do that inside the fender well.

Richard

[Alan S.]

Re: vacum tank removal

Hi Richard,
If you determine that the tank needs to come out you can remove it by loosening the non p/b master cylinder from the firewall. The 2 brake lines give you enough flexibility to gently push the m/c out of the way.
It still takes a bit of a twist and shimmy because it's the tank's mounting legs that want to get caught on the way out. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan