Re: 54' pacific brakes??

Posted by fredkanter On 2016/7/25 14:57:56

I've found what I believe is a simple analogy to the reason Treadle Vacs fail. Consider the cooling system of any car which is supposed to have some water pump lubricant in the water or anti-freeze. If you drive the car for many years without refreshing the lubricant/anti-rust, the water pump will be prone to failure and scale will form in the block and clog the radiator causing elevated running temperature and some loss of fluid.

As years go on you keep driving it and never check the fluid level or drain and flush the system. Eventually some of the rust/scale eats up the seal, the fluid runs out and the car overheats.

Why oh why you ask should my (65 year old car) suddenly overheat without warning???? It must be that damned McCord radiator!!!

Now change that scenario to brake system and "that damned Bendix Treadle Vac".

Human nature wants to blame some inanimate object rather than take responsibility for your own negligence.

Let's think of other things that fail: manual master cylinders, wheel cylinders, unretorqued head gaskets, radiator caps, rod bearings, main bearings, starters, batteries, generators etc etc. Some fail just from age, some from use, some from not changing the oil often.

Engine oil does not deteriorate from sitting 10 years, DOT 3 brake fluid does. Be mindful of who/what you curse.