IML: '68 - no brakes problem

[Kenyon Wills <imperialist1960@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hydraulic brakes were called "hypodermic" brakes in
the early ads (when folks were used to mechanical
linkages) to give a connection to syringes, as they
act in similar fashion.

I suggest that the plunger seal in the master cylinder
is compromised and allowing fluid to move past the
seal, effectively negating the pumping that you're
doing.  If it were failing, that might equal the
progressively receding firmness as it failed?

Also check each fitting everywhere in the system for
apparent wetness since you're checking things out
anyway.  I know the MC was full, but you can't be too
careful while you're on the topic.

First step would be to replace that MC.

After that, you'd want to pull the wheels/brake pads
to check the calipers.  It is theoretically possible
that there is a gap between your stainless sleeves
that is allowing compression, but that should not
yeild a dead pedal, only a spongy "bleed me" feel.
 


-Kenyon


--- Billimp68@xxxxxxx wrote:

> List,
>  
> A problem surfaced today on my 1968 Crown Coupe, as
> you might  guess, it 
> concerns the brakes.   This car has always had
> excellent  brakes, which never 
> caused a problem, until today.  Here is what
> happened  today, the car had good 
> brakes at the start of the drive, but when I 
> stopped for any reason, stop light, 
> etc, noticed that the brake pedal would  slowly sink
> toward the floor from 
> the pressure of my foot.  At first, a  couple of
> rapid pumps gave a hard pedal, 
> but then the pressure of my foot  again caused the
> pedal to go lower, which 
> allowed the car to creep  forward.  Just as I
> arrived home, had hardly any 
> brakes left at all, more  pumping of the brake pedal
> had no effect.  Of course, I 
> checked the master  cylinder for fluid level, and
> found both compartments full 
> to the brim, The  engine runs smooth, which makes me
> doubt if there is a 
> vacuum leak.    I need your suggestions as to what
> caused this problem and the fix 
> you might  recommend.  I have owned this car for
> fourteen years and the 
> calipers had  been converted to stainless steel
> sleeves prior to that.
>  
> Thank you,
>  
> Bill/Imp, 68's
> 
> 
> 
> ************************************** Get a sneak
> peek of the all-new AOL at 
> http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
> 



       
____________________________________________________________________________________
Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. 
http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

-----------------  http://www.imperialclub.com  -----------------
This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please 
reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be 
shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the
Administrators should be sent to iml.webmonster@xxxxxxxxx
To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm