g741.org

Howdy! Hope everyone is having a great early summer - based on the current weather, it's going to be a scorcher. Get underground!!

So, I finally got a new master cylinder mounted, the front flex hoses and brake cylinders off and I noticed some funk in the brake lines. This vehicle sat for who knows how long and the brake fluid magically vanished! (probably evaporated). Anyone have any advice if I should:

1. Flush the lines out with something that might break up what's in there.
2. If #1, any suggestions on what that should be? Gas, diesel, turpentine, cool-aide
3. Say Fa-kit and buy all brand-new brake lines
4. Roll it off a cliff (only added for sarcastic value)

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated!!!

Have a great weekend!

Brakes are overrated and only marginally necessary.
But if you don't agree, you should probably replace all the lines.

New lines (preferably nickle-copper or stainless).

If the old lines have gunk in them, it's probably from moisture being absorbed by the DOT3 fluid. And if that's the situation, then the original steel lines are probably rotted from the inside, and are a leak waiting to happen. Not good with a single-circuit system like in these old trucks.

Denatured alcohol is the solvent used for cleaning out brake lines that used DOT 3.

MEK or some other nasty solvent should be used on lines that contained DOT 5.

PoW

Thanks everyone for your wisdom!!

I did replace the front flex hoses, I'll do a little dissection on them and see what's in there.
Also in the process of replacing all the wheel cylinders - Shouldn't be all that hard to take a line loose (most likely from the rear axle) and blow it out. That might provide some insight as well.

I do agree that if there's the change of rusty lines from the inside out. Might as well change the WHOLE brake system.

Thanks again!!

When replacing the wheel cylinders, take the pistons out and coat them with silicone brake grease to prevent rust and sticking.

Joe

I completely replaced all my brake, fuel, and vent lines with the help and supplies and equip from Fedhill. Brakes gotta, gotta always work. Wasn't hard,

hal

Thanks Nam Vet. I was checking out the back brakes and discovered a crushed brake line, so I'll have to replace the lines anyway!
Just the way it goes.

Have a great day - and welcome home!!

If you make your own lines, FedHill has what you need, and you can rent a pro-grade flaring tool. I bought some of the necessary specialty tools for tubing from I think Jegs or Summit. If you decide to make your own lines, I can give you some suggestions on how to do it with great results and minimal aggravation. Hal

Thanks Hal!! I actually ran into a pretty good deal on a brake like kit someone never used - been sitting around for a while but no worse for wear!!
I just ordered new rubber body to axle lines, so when completed, everything will be new except for the brass fittings.

Better safe than sorry!!

Have a lovely evening!!