The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Driving a 454-30 down hill without brakes weeeeeee

Yesterday, Wednesday I was going to take the Blue Bird (454-30) to have it weighed. Get the unladen weight.

Everything had been working well, I had finished the wiring and tire changes. Had all the techs and specs adjusted. Engine was purring, brakes would stop on a dime and give you change.

Went to California DMV and got a One Day Moving Permit (they are free). So I was legal.

Started the truck, did a safety check, tires, brakes, gas level, oil and temp. All was well, so off I started.

Backed out my driveway, got pointed in the right direction, got over to Billy Road which is the steepest hill in Paradise. Heading down the road, up a slight rise, a little dip, up the next rise, touched the brakes and felt truck slow, then approached the down slope of Billy Road. Down shifted from 5th to 4th and applied brakes...whoooa no brakes, pumped pedal and nothing...pumped some more, nothing, no response. Being in 4th gear helped keep speed down the light ahead was RED, cross traffic ahead major 4 lane road, "The Skyway" ten I remembered the Parking/Emergency Brake, painted Fire Engine Red. So I avoided any collisions.

Went back home and parked truck disillusioned with it. Later that day a I went out and laid under the truck to take a look at what might be the problem. Could not find any visual problem. So I checked the master cylinder, it was empty.

Where did all the fluid go...I refilled the master cylinder, pumped it down..added more, pumped it down, repeated this 2 more times. Then I went back under the truck still no visible fluid leaks. Then out of the corner of my eye there was a drip, right over the muffler on the frame.

The steel brake line from the brake light switch tee to the rear axle had split open down the seam.

That is the first time in over 50 years of being a grease monkey that I have had that happen. I have heard of it but never experienced it for myself.

Now I have....it was an exciting experience. One which I could do without again.

Bet that was waaaaaay up on the Pucker Scale!
I need to redo lines on my '59 Fargo...
Glad to hear you and the truck are safe!

I've had holes from rust before, but never had a seam split open. At least it's a fairly easy fix and you got home safely again.

Tad

$12.00 for new steel brake lines and $6.00 for brake fluid is a cheap fix compared to what it might have been.

That is for sure, You have it all done and back together now then?

Tad