I"ve been scratching my head for some time now on where my brake fluid is going -- master cylinder is about half empty every time I run her but no leaks in the lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder -- nothing. Brake pedal takes a pump or two at first but then holds a nice pedal and the truck stops just fine. Until yesterday that is when I put on the brakes a little heavy and so much white smoke billowed out the tailpipe I couldn't see the end of the truck. My guess is the hydrovac is dumping brake fluid into the vacuum system and the engine is burning it up. I understand that some parts are still available for the hydrovac although I've not yet started my search.
Questions: 1) How much boost does the hydrovac give? Mine is a parade truck and, although I totally agree that stopping is mandatory the most I haul is the wife, a cooler and a couple chairs. Can I just bypass the hydrovac at least temporarily, and still stop reasonably? 2) I like to consider myself a decent antique mechanic but I've never been into a hydrovac before. Any advice for a first time rebuilder of such things?
Thanks
Pete P.
Harborcreek, Penna.
