| Author | Message | ||
     Richard Greene Frequent User Username: benzjag Post Number: 225 Registered: 12-2012 |
Many may remember I bought a 1980 Wraith with NO brakes a few weeks ago. The deal was too good to pass up even though I did NOT need it! My plan was to convert the brakes to an American system. A friend has a converted Shadow I have driven. The brakes were nothing less than awesome and SIMPLE! Many wrote on the forum and to me personally, I should try to work on the original system. I agreed and today was the begining! I started by cleaning out the brake reservior. WHAT A MESS as the pics show! I found "gelatinous fluid" at the bottom of the reservior. It looks jelly around a canned ham. I cleaned the reservoir. I have VERY limited experience with the brakes. Any idea about the "jelly". I will have to clean the entire system. What is the best way to purge the system;with the brake pumps??????? Any guidance whatsoever will be greatly appreciated! Richard    | ||
| Jeff Martin Experienced User Username: jeff_r_1 Post Number: 141 Registered: 07-2018 |
I don't own a Shadow, but when I see a mess like that, someone's put in the wrong fluid and it turned to that jelly you see _ that and what ever water contamination from sitting. If it was my car, I would methodically take the entire system apart, cleaning and replacing things as I go along. Take lots of photos. It goes with out saying that the flexible lines will need replacing. Now's the time to learn about the system, lots of help here. | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1498 Registered: 11-2015 |
Richard, Don't worry, you soon will have all kinds of experience with the brakes! I think the flush should be dot 3 or 4 then put the good stuff when the jelly is gone. Looking good. | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 3794 Registered: 04-2003 |
Richard, Acetone is the best flushing medium for the brake lines followed by Dot 4 brake fluid "rinse". Just follow the workshop manual guide and all will be well - just be prepared to allow sufficient time to do the job completely and thoroughly. I would replace all seals, gaskets etc regardless of how they look and hone the cylinders for all pistons. If you have hydraulic system experience, you can do the hydraulic pumps yourself; if not, get a specialist to do it as the pumps are rare and usually expensive. Above all, don't be afraid to ask for help if you are unsure or have difficulties. | ||
| Kelly Opfar Frequent User Username: kelly_opfar Post Number: 257 Registered: 07-2004 |
Richard, your accumulator spheres are almost certainly in need of rebuilding. They are going to be filled with this jelly as well and no amount of flushing will clean them out. I made a post on this forum a while ago describing the process for rebuilding spheres: http://au.rrforums.net/forum/messages/17001/34377.html?1546892840 BritishToolWorks.com |
