The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Brakes leaking

Hey bolters;
I just finished putting new brakelines on my 1950 3800, all the way around and had the front 2 wheel cylinders replaced, the rear wheel cylinders rebuilt.
After bleeding them I'm noticing just a little bit of brakefluid where the wheel cylinder meets that little brass junction block. I re-used those little brass washers that were on it originally, but still seeing some moisture at all 4 wheels. its not alot, just a smudge over the last day. Any suggestions? Should there be a little rubber seal between the junction and cylinder as well?

Thanks - Carmental

That is pretty well your only choice.

Yep, those copper sealing washers are a one time use deal.

...That said on several occasions when in a bind I've annealed them, flattened both sides with fine sand paper on a true flat surface, and reused them.. Not the best idea on something as critical as your brake system.

Your local auto parts store should have them in stock.

Grigg

I'll check into them, that makes perfect sense that they would be the cause. Thanks for the info guys.

Carmental

To prevent getting bitched at, I'm not going to say it is a good idea or a bad idea, but I have seen dozens of times where folks used more than one copper crush washer without any leaking or brake issues.

Jeff

Like my bartender says: If one doesn't do the job, you can always try another. I'll give that a try if the new one's don't do the job.

Carmental

I'd try to get the job done with one washer.
The mating surfaces on the wheel cylinder and the bolt have what's called a "phonographic finish" which is designed to bite into the copper and create a better seal than a plain dead flat and smooth surface will.
When using 2 washers you would have a less than ideal seal between the two washers.

Grigg

Actually, (WARNING: useless information follows), the rings on my brake cylinder surfaces (master and wheel) are Concentric Serrated Finish (I think), which is not "phonographic" (as in Stock Finish and and in Spiral Serrated Finish).

Clearly, I am avoiding going out to the garage to work on my trucks?

I think Tim's right... similar idea and I still wouldn't stack sealing washers.
Now get out there and work on your truck

Grigg

Ok ok! I got out there and worked on the truck. A shiny set of new crush washers, a quick bleed (after I scraped my knuckles), then I bled the brakes and viola! No more leaks.

Now all I have left to do is....
Build the truck bed
fix the sheet metal on the truck
visit cash machine
paint the truck
Assemble the truck
Put new glass in the truck
visit cash machine again
rewire the truck
reupholster the truck seat
take out second mortgage
replace the truck tires
put a battery in the truck
insure the truck
fill the truck
start the truck
drive the truck
park the truck
sit in lawn chair with cold beer and think to myself "what the truck was I thinking when I started this process?"

Carmental

sounds like heaven to me.

I tried stacking washer( no good) I had to try several washers before getting combo that worked. The new NAPA master Cylinder does not have the spirals on the mating surface as OEM had so through trial and error and numerous attempts, I finally got it to stop leaking. I tried 10 different crush washer all the same size. 57 chev 3800