Ok, here is another silly question as I dig deeper into fixing my 78 coupe. The brakes feel tight (pedal will not go down much) when the car is off but as soon as I start it up, it goes to the floor and the light comes on. Could it be that I broke something when I pulled the E Brake handle because now that feels free. The car does have power brakes if that helps
Any ideas
after reading your other post , your ebrake is stuck you will have a tough time getting the drum off but after that you will be able to figure out why being in a salty area i have never used an ebrake becaue it might stick. , but i would also agree that the master cylander is bad with a tight pedal when off and no pedal when car is on. but try bleading the breaks first get all the old fluid out of the lines.
sound like you got a fun projest to start with.
phil
Ack! After the problems I had with my brake system, I wish you the best. I rebuilt everything - mostly because I HAD to.
Chris
If the weather holds, I am taking the them apart tomorrow and see if I can figure out what is wrong and maybe free the car up. If I have to, I will disconnect the parking brake for now. I think the radiator will be top priority and then on to the brakes (easiest to hardest LOL!!!) At least it stops and there are no leaks that I can see.
Does this car have power brakes?
Quote from: TIGGER on March 26, 2009, 01:11:49 AM
Does this car have power brakes?
Yes. I talked to a few people last night and it had them scratching their heads. When the car is off, the pedal is hard but as soon as I start it up, it goes all the way to the floor and the brake light comes on. there is no sign of it leaking anywhere but I have not cheked the vacume lines that close yet. Any ideas? I was thinking that if it's the master cylinder, that I am just going to go with manual brakes since it already has manual steering. That will save me a few $$$
Also, what other makes of Ford radiators will fit the Pinto's? I have one that I am going to try but want to have a back up plan.
I'm going to seriously suggest you look at the master cylinder. My car was "leak tight", or so it seemed. When I bought it, brakes were fine. Two weeks later, pedal to floor. No sign of leaks anywhere. Master cylinder was very dirty and crappy. Changed it to a Cardone rebuilt unit. Same problem; brakes would bleed, and then go to floor within a few hours, though no sign of leaks. A NEW master cylinder solved my issues.
Chris
I will have to look into that. Right now I am on a VERY tight budget so I might just have to go with manual ones for now ;D As long as it stops and I am not going too far, I should be OK