Re: Bendix Treadle Vac Study- Serioius Business!!

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2011/1/13 12:26:05

For what it's worth - I had to move my as yet not running '55 Patrician. The parking brake wasn't working so I thought I'd try putting brake fluid in the reportedly non functioning BTV service brake. Remember this car hasn't run since the mid 80's. I opened up the top of the master brake cylinder, blew out the white fluffy crap with my air hose and filled it up with DOT 3. I got in and pressed on the pedal and it sank to the floor. I then pumped the pedal three time and each time got higher pedal. I got out and looked in the master brake cylinder and found the fluid level had gone down half way. I topped it off and closed it up and I have had brakes enough to push the car around and have the brakes stop it. After a week had passed, I still had pedal and brakes and the fluid level was the same.
I do plan on completely going through the entire brake system but never the less, the compensation valve fed the cylinder fluid and prevented back flow after doing nothing for 26 years. The pedal effort was the same as any other of my Power Brake cars with the engine off.
I don't know about anybody else, but I was rather surprised and impressed!