My problems are getting smaller...

[O'Shell]

So if anyone is curious the head gasket was the problem and after replacing it no more white smoke..

NEW problem: My breaks are too good... I cleaned all the wheel cylinders, installed new pads and fresh ground drums. At first it was like pump pump pump and maybe you'd get some stopping power. (not safe at all) So I called C-Dan and out of all the years of unavailable Master cylinders, Mine a 68-72 (I think) was in stock.. I slapped that on and wow what a difference. Full stopping power on the first push, Nice!

Here is the problem: Breaks work perfectly the first few pushes, but it seems like every time I push the pedal its building pressure up and after about the 4th or 5th push its solid the pedal will not move anymore and the breaks are locked. If I open anyone of the bleeder screws it sprays a full stream of fluid for a second then the pressure is released.

So in a healthy break system when you take your foot off the pedal, where does the pressure go? Is there a clog or some sort thats keeping the pressure locked up?

As always thanks in advance for the help!!

 

[Pighead]

Sounds like you need to adjust your master cylinder push rods...one might be too long.

 

[GarageRat]

Check play in the master cylinder pushrod (should be a slight amount) and I can't see any brake return springs (though there's only one hole visible that would have the spring hook) which pull the shoes back from the drum when you release the pedal. With the return springs pulling the shoes back and the residual pressure valves in the master cylinder outlets you keep a slight amount of pressure in the system. If you don't have those then you're going to have issues.

 

[O'Shell]

I think it only has one... But I like where you're going... Is the push rod kind of holding the breaks on all the time? I admit I didn't adjust it at all just pulled it out of the box/bag and installed it. I was super stoked that I didn't need to do wheel cylinders and that the master was all it needed...

 

[O'Shell]

The springs are there just ride on the inner side, The bottom shoe is held against gravity by the springs ;p

 

[GarageRat]

I tried zooming and all that blue made it impossible to see


Does the increased pressure go away on its own if you let it sit for a little bit?

 

[O'Shell]

Yes but more like an hour.. I have bleed all four wheels with the built up pressure, and kept the fluid full..

 

[lostmarbles]

The piston(s) in your master cylinder need to return far enough in the bore (when you take your foot off the brakes) to open the port(s) that allow the fluid (pushed backwards by your shoe-return-springs) to return to the reservoir(s) on top.

So I repeat what other have already said ...ie .... Pushrod length (pedal adjustment)

 

[O'Shell]

I love you guys.. Beer and on me!!!