<VV> Re: VirtualVairs Digest, Vol 14, Issue 10m Ksg 1

[WillSmithTFPOCAllenTexas]

Message: 1
Date: Sat, 04 Mar 2006 08:32:34 -0800

At 11:05 AM 3/4/2006 -0500, you wrote:
> Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2006 10:38:39 -0500
> From: "John McMahon" <jmac2112 at adelphia.net>
> Subject: <VV> brake system: to fill or not to fill
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I've got a question about brakes.  Here's the scenario: my project car 
> (1965
> Monza) is close to being operational, with only the brakes and tires 
> left to
> go.  The rest of the car, however, has a long way to go, and it is 
> highly
> likely that I will not be driving the car until sometime next year.
>
> Here's the question.  Is there any harm in filling the brake system 
> and then
> letting it sit for a year or so?  It will get SOME use, since the 
> reason I
> want to get the brakes operational is to make it easier to move the 
> car in
> and out of the garage as I finish the body work (I'd rather do wet 
> sanding
> in the driveway).  Can I just go out every now and then and pump the 
> brakes?
> Car is stored in an unheated garage, if that makes a difference.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John McMahon
> 1965 Monza coupe 110


Just my opinion. I believe it is better to have clean, fresh brake 
fluid in
the system than just air. However, because DOT-3 or -4 brake fluid 
readily
absorbs moisture, I would keep the air vent in the cap sealed to exclude
moist air.

Paul
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
I agree you should put the fluid in because air has moisture in it 
[unless you pull a vacuum on the system which allows the moisture to 
vaporize and be extracted, i.e. a refrigeration system before putting 
in refrigerant]. Isn't there a diaphragm between the vent hole and the 
fluid to prevent the moisture in the air from getting to touch the 
fluid? If so, then the vent is probably there to allow the fluid to 
easily return to the MC when the brakes are released [keep that vent 
unsealed for proper brake operation]. Remember, the diaphragm will be 
distorted and sitting on top of the fluid  when you remove the MC cap 
on a system with worn brake linings. The only way moisture can enter a 
healthy system is through the pores in the cast iron cylinders which 
allow small air bits to pass[ with their moisture attracted to the 
fluid like a magnet] but don't allow larger fluid bits to pass. Alum 
cylinders probably don't have that porosity prob but I'm not sure about 
that. Also, moisture in the system can condense into water, then 
vaporize at high brake temp [panic stop, down hill, etc]  and cause a 
spongy pedal just when you least need one.

Have a GREAT American Day!
Will Smith, "The Fresh Prince of Corvair"
Texas
http://IndoorPS.com

WANTED: nice 66 Monza Conv, 110, pg, for Parade Duty and taking kids 
for a ride in something they've likely never seen; plan to buy 4 qtr 
06.