hcb3200 The original build started in 2005 with a frame off restoration. The first system to be restored after the disassembly and clean up was the brake system. I got most of the parts from LMC Truck or Classic Parts (Formerly Chevy Duty). I reused the blocks for the rear end and the Tees for the split from front to rear. Everything else was new. I bought straight brake lines from Nappa and bent up and flared my own. If memory serves, it bled out fine with no leaks and I really have had no issues with the brakes. They worked fine (I regret ever deciding to upgrade at this point!!)
The current master replacement was a kit from Performance Online. I bought the MC, mounting bracket, push rod, remote fill and a bench bleed kit. It also came with 2 10 pound RSV valves. (See below). The 2 rsv valves are no name. I have ordered 2 new wilwood valves.
Today, I had a buddy over and I showed him the MC. It is on the bench and drained of fluid getting ready to go back. He thought that due to the fact I plugged both outlets and had a hard pedal but when I unplugged the rear and connected the brake line (and bled the back brakes) I had no pedal even with he front still plugged. He suggested the chambers may be leaking into each other. I think this seems reasonable since I would expect some resistance from the plugged front outlet. This test tells me if i lose a line front or rear, I can’t rely on the other chamber to work the other brakes. It also may be why I can’t get the air out of the system if the chambers are trading air back and forth. I can’t get enough pressure in the lines to see a leak but they could be sucking air when the brake is released.
I’m going to send the MC back and see what the new one brings. I hope it solves this issue but I will be [censored] I spent this much time and money only to have a bad brand new part.
I had a similar issue when I converted to 12 volt. Everything worked great… I let the truck sit for a few weeks and the battery was dead. I checked everything and found out the brand new alternator was drawing 12 volts with the key off. They sent me a new alternator and the truck worked fine. I can’t believe my luck at getting the 1 out of 1000 parts that are bad right out of the box!!!
