Re: treadle vac brakes

Posted by HH56 On 2012/5/26 10:18:38

Altho i am most tempted to agree with that recommendation it labels the BTV as a high maintence/short service life component FOR PACKARD applications only. Such chronic problems do not seem to occur on other NON Packard applications of the BTV.

As far as other cars having the issue, can't really say. Some of the other forums mention BTV's occasionally in derogatory terms. Since there was the bolt in BTV replacement designed for mid 50's Chevys, must have been a reason on those. One site even offers their replacement as a direct swap for the "dreaded" Treadlevac.

As to our cars, still don't understand why we seem to have V8 cars with BTV issues reported far more often than the earlier ones. 52-4 cars seem to have their issues directly related to long term non use and minimal maintenance when put in service again. On the V8s, is it the same reason or because they are driven more.

Perhaps there is a subtle design difference in the later P-3 or 4 units making them more susceptible because there is more heat near the unit in V8s. One question might be how long that gasket problem has been there. We have had photos of some supposedly never touched units with the gasket blocked port. Not sure on which P version the reservoir change was made which needed the different cover but the cover we use was there from the beginning so that might come into play.

At any rate, a question that will probably never have a good answer.