1962 Brake fluid issue

[Philip P.]

Re: 1962 Brake fluid issue

It was DOT 3, I switched to DOT4 as it was compatible with 3 and did not want to go the silicone route at this time if ever. I had some issues with silicone back when it was first introduced and have not forgot that, I am sure it is fine now. I am certainly more careful about brake fluid in all my vehicles now however.
Phil

[Elwyn S.]

Re: 1962 Brake fluid issue

Philip, I too will be more careful with brake fluid in the future. I am planning to flush and bleed brakes and see where I am at with the brake pedal next weekend. If brakes are still not good I will change the master cylinder. Thanks...

[Philip P.]

Re: 1962 Brake fluid issue

My master cylinder was a replacement so it was not worth rebuilding. The fluid in the system while not real pretty was not full of rust so I was able to "get away" with flushing and rebleeding they system. It has been fine since, but I am going to go a flush again later this winter before we take the car out. Thats after the engine and transmission get put back in. Got to love these cars.
Phil

[Wes S.]

Re: 1962 Brake fluid issue

Philip, Peter shows a pressure bleeder in his post. The design of early master cylinders do not lend themselves to pressure bleeding. Too much pressure will blow the plug on the front of the master cylinder.
That makes a mess and is not an easy repair.

[Philip P.]

Re: 1962 Brake fluid issue

Wes, I did not know that about the pressure bleeder and the older single master cylinder will go into the memory bank. I did bleed my the old fashion way and worked pretty well. I can imagine brake fluid all over the car that would think that would make for a bad day. I remember back in my earlier life getiing a drop on the fender of my 58 well that was not a good day at all.
Phil

[Duke W.]

Re: 1962 Brake fluid issue

I think a lot of guys use way too much pressure when pressure bleeding. Five psi is all you need and don't exceed 10.

I had a buddy who pumped it up to 30 psi and blew the adapter off the top of the M/C, which hosed down the engine compartment with brake fluid. What a mess!

Duke

[Peter M.]

Re: 1962 Brake fluid issue

Duke is right, you only need 5-8 lbs of pressure to get the Motive system to work well. The manufacturer specifies NOT to use more than 10 lbs. I use only 5 lbs in mine and while its a little slow, it flushes the system out just fine.

With regard to DOT 3 vs: DOT 4, I recommend that you use DOT 4 as it is compatible with DOT 3 and it is much less hydroscopic than DOT 3 (does not suck up as much moisture). Finally, DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid should be flushed out every year. This should be considered routine maintenance and once you invest in a good bleeder system, the only annual cost is $10 - $15 for a good quality brake fluid.