Master cylinder location

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Nov 17, 2008 | 01:37 PM

#31

alanco

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 412

Likes: 1

From: Fallon, Nevada

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian_B

I was asked a couple more questions about my setup in another E-mail. Since I cannot reply that way.......

4. I have had the engine die (therefore no power brakes). They revert back to standing on the pedal as they were before the booster went on. Better to have them that way on a rare occasion, than to have them that way ever day.

Power brake masters have reduced stroke and would not allow you to stop by "standing on the pedal". Your tactic is only useful if you have a non-power brake master cyllinder with a booster added.

I am not stating an argument with alanco, but I could have walked into NAPA and get the stock master cylinder for my 50+ year old truck should I have chosen too. Yes, but that is a single master cyllinder. A lot of dual master cyllinders particularly disk/drum are no longer available.

I can get the original power steering pump from the same. Brake parts are all availble there (wheel cylinders, brake shoes). The distributors are available, distributor caps, distributor rotors, radiator caps, thermostats, plug wires, points and condensors, and just about every other tune up part. And why is that? Because of volume. However, you cannot get a lot of low volume parts which we used to use for upgrading, and that was exactly the point. When you want a dual master cylinder from an OEM use, disk/drum, many are not available. This is why I use aftermarket parts designed for racing.

Most parts are not as hard to get as people make them out to be.

Mine is a daily driver. I use it as a truck (just like the last 2 modern trucks I have owned), but it does no see the heavy duty work that bigger trucks get. I do not do that sort of work anymore.

The point here, is that if you tow heavy, you will at times climb long grades which keep the engine at very low vacuum. The reservoir has enough for one stop if it has no leaks, either at the vacuum valve or in the hoses. If you have to use the brakes in an emergency, they may not work until vacuum has built back up again. This is a possible problem that can be alleviated by two possible solutions: One is installing an electric vacuum pump commonly called a hydrovac. The other is not to use a booster. Commercial trucks use hydrovacs if they use hydraulic brakes. Otherwise, they use air brakes, which have large air tanks.

Many people are missionary like in their advocacy of dual brake systems, but seem to have no idea of what can happen if the vacuum system fails on a low stroke power brake system, and this can be as simple as running out of gas and having to traverse a long downgrade. Enough said......

Alanco

Nov 17, 2008 | 01:45 PM

#32

bobbytnm

Roast em' if you got 'em

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 22,030

Likes: 9,996

From: Rio Rancho, NM

An electric vacuum pump is not hydrovac brakes, its nothing but an electric vacuum pump. Hydrovac brakes are hydraulic assisted power brakes. Soem systems get the hydraulic pressure from a system powered by an electric motor, others used the vehicles power steering pump to supply the pressure.

Bobby

Nov 17, 2008 | 03:02 PM

#33

alanco

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 412

Likes: 1

From: Fallon, Nevada

Hydrovac is nothing but a common name.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbytnm

You are trying to argue over the use of a common name. A Hydrovac Pump is a term used by Bendix for a vacuum pump which has a switch to regulate a given vacuum level.

Hydrovac braking systems are hydraulic vacuum assisted brakes. The units powered by the power steering pump were made originally for diesels, which, since they have no vacuum, have to use hydraulic boosters.

If all you want to do is argue, then I quit. All I am trying to do is give you the benefit of one with experience in selecting parts and improving braking systems in my restoration business. See ya.....

Alanco

Nov 17, 2008 | 03:08 PM

#34

bobbytnm

Roast em' if you got 'em

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 22,030

Likes: 9,996

From: Rio Rancho, NM

Alan,

Please don't be so quick to take offense, I wasn't trying to argue. I just didn't want there to be any confusion between a vacuum pump and a hydrovac system. We all appreciate your expertise and input.

Bobby

Nov 19, 2008 | 05:12 PM

#35

53pickemuptruck

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 467

Likes: 0

From: White Hall , Illinois

I'm going with the firewall setup. All chrome so lots of sparkle. I think the support from the dash ,firewall , and steering will give it a solid feel.