54 brake systems

[Guy M.]

Hi everyone Two Questions. Im having trouble getting my rebuilt master cylinder to seal at the two big bolts on the end. I have new crush washers in on the smaller bolt. Re using the big one. I pump it up to 15 psi with soaped joints but not holding there. Do any of you use teflon tape on screw threads or other sealing methods. Also, should all piston cups in wheel cylinders move easily with finger pressure? Ithink I might have to take the rubber covers off the cylinders and soap the pistons to see if they are holding. This beats using fluid to find leaks. Thanks again!!!

[Edward J.]

Re: 54 brake systems

Guy, sometime sealing those style fittings with gaskets require loosening and tighten the fitting a few times, and really cranking it tight on the final tighten. no sealant should be needed. and the as far as the wheel cylinders, if the wheel cylinder are full of fluid there will be some resistance. If the wheel cylinders are old I would peel back the rubber boots and look for signs of fluid or rust. and for safety If they are more than 4 or 5 years old I would replace. the quality of the replacements are not so good.

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 brake systems

Thanks ED, My system is new and dry although I honed the original rears 7 or 8 years ago and rebuilt them. Im willing to take off all the cylinders and check for ease of piston movement if I have to. Seems they should move relitivle easy for proper operation
. Ill crank on some of these fittings again I guess. The goal is to hold 15 psi indefinitly. Ill peel all the boots back and hit it soap water to check for leaks. With all being new just goes to show you still have to screw with everything.

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 brake systems

Guy,
I had a terrible time getting my master cylinder to stop leaking at the block - in the front.
The rear crush washer would not seal - I changed washers several times...
I ended up using a thick alum drain plug washer -
Finally - no leaks
Down side at Regional and Nationals I get dinged for not having a copper washer.

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 brake systems

Thanks Chris, Im glad its not just me. I had to use a big --- wrench and cranked on it so hard I thought I was going to break something. It finnaly sealed. I highly recommend that pressure bleeder fron CC. It sure beats testing with fluid. Thanks again!

[Tim E.]

Re: 54 brake systems

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

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 brake systems

Thanks Tim, this will help everyone who has been pulling thier hair out. I just ordered a tube. $17 including shipping. Great tip!!!