BrotherVette

I’m looking at a really nice ‘65. I was told that before it was stored away a few years ago the brake pedal went to the floor. It was professionally maintained by a mechanic and Corevette enthusiast that I hold in high regard. It was thought that the problem was associated with the MC push rod adjustment. I have been searching here for that issue and it not showing up as a common problem. Can anyone let me know if that is a gremlinn on ‘65’s? Thanks

Avispa

A master cylinder pushrod failure is almost unheard of. Its easy enough to check on a 65. Unbolt the MC from the firewall and push it toward the front of the car. The pushrod should be visible and you can check its operation by looking st it while a helper pushes on the brake pedal.

reno stallion

MC is done or pin fell out of rod no longer hooked to pedal

SWCDuke

...common problem. It probably never had a brake fluid change, so the contaminated brake fluid caused corrosion. The pushrod is easy to check, but if it's okay the system needs to be rebuilt with new or sleeved MC and calipers. Also the brake lines should be flushed and hoses replaced. If you use DOT3 or 4 it should be flushed every five years. Many "mechanics" don't understand this. If you assemble everything with DOT 5 you can easily go ten years between flushing, but beware that most rebuilt components are assembled with DOT 3, so they need to be disassembled, cleaned with denatured alcohol and reassembled with DOT 5..

Everything should be absolutely clean and clear of any traces to DOT 3 or 4 if you swap to DOT 5.

Duke

BrotherVette

It’s been a while and I just had a quick look under the hood. I remember that it looked like the MC was brand new and I remember that the DOT number was written on the cap with a Sharpie so I assume it had a brake fluid change. I think it may have been DOT5. I will have to get a better look at the seals. Problem is that it’s in a very tight spot and I can’t get good access until I can get it out of storage.