In
Ross Miller's excellent how-to article on rebuilding the BTV master cylinder (
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/article/view.article.php?404), I believe he mentions that the compensator port valve spring is made of stainless wire, but I can't fully agree with that - at least, not for the OE part. Also, the one shown in the corresponding illustration in his article appears to be a little longer than what I recall - as if it were some substitute.
In the past, I have removed springs from the unrestored BTV units in my cars that showed some corrosion in spots. One was a a bit PITTED, but another had BROKEN IN TWO from corrosion. Clearly, these spring weren't made of plain steel wire, but they aren't highly corrosion-resistant in my opinion. Yet, as I've often said, I doubt if any engineer ever envisioned that any automotive component they designed would still be in use 50+ years after production.
If the
Easamatic unit from one's car merely needs an overhaul of the hydraulic section and is in good working order, otherwise, it doesn't make sense to pay hundreds of dollars for a rebuild because of one little spring - however, critical that part may be.
IMHO, the hydraulic section of the BTV is easier to overhaul than the average carburetor
(and I've heard plenty of stories of some pretty crappy rebuilt carburetors sold on an exchange basis from highly visible vendors). The vacuum section is a little more involved, but can be done, with some due diligence. Frankly, I'd rather rebuild most anything myself, but due to the highly litigious nature of our society, I'd never wanna hang out a shingle for that kind of work.
Yet, I digress...
Given the recreational use that most of these vehicles now experience and the hygroscopic nature of DOT3/4, it only seems natural to look for a stainless replacement spring.
I began looking for sources, online, last winter. I found conical compression springs at
Raymond Springs (a division of
Bowman?) made of stainless steel, but their pricing for small quantities is ridiculous.
Reid Supply has better pricing in that regard. However, due to continued problem with my folks' health and property (and no idea when things will lighten up), I've not had the time get any of my Packards out of long-term storage to remove the power brake unit and measure that spring.
Kudos to
Randy Berger for picking up the ball with measurements. I'll be watching to see what develops.
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