brake booster, high idle
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
brake booster, high idle
So, i finally bought the 73 454. 4 speed. The brakes are even worse than i remembered. I have to push so hard to get them to even minimally work. Also, the idle is at 1500 and i know that is not normal. Is that a carburator problem? Where can i get a brake booster that would allow me to maintain the originality of the car? Also the tach is pretty bouncy how do i fix that? thanks guys
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
AutoZone sells remanufactured boosters and master cylinders, that's where I bought my booster and master cylinder together. Have you tried adjusting the carb and checked for any vac leaks?
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Before you just start throwing money at it. Diagnose the problem.
To test brake booster, with car not running, pump brakes so pedal feels firm. approx 5-6 times should do it.
Now after last pump keep foot firmly on brake pedal and start the engine. Brake pedal should sink when engine starts if it does not you have a bad booster.
If pedal sinks before engine start you have a problem in the hydraulic system.
To test brake booster, with car not running, pump brakes so pedal feels firm. approx 5-6 times should do it.
Now after last pump keep foot firmly on brake pedal and start the engine. Brake pedal should sink when engine starts if it does not you have a bad booster.
If pedal sinks before engine start you have a problem in the hydraulic system.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Listen to what is being said in this post . If the brakes are bad and all indications are they are, get a complete kit of calipers, soft lines and a booster if needed. Solicit help from fellow vette owners in a local club that have been there and done it.
I would bet your idle is no more than timing advance, a vacuum leak and maybe adjustments. Also, if the carb is a grease ball, clean the linkage with carb cleaner.
Take you time and diagnose and then act. These are money pits at best and don't need more.
I would bet your idle is no more than timing advance, a vacuum leak and maybe adjustments. Also, if the carb is a grease ball, clean the linkage with carb cleaner.
Take you time and diagnose and then act. These are money pits at best and don't need more.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
So, i finally bought the 73 454. 4 speed. The brakes are even worse than i remembered. I have to push so hard to get them to even minimally work. Also, the idle is at 1500 and i know that is not normal. Is that a carburator problem? Where can i get a brake booster that would allow me to maintain the originality of the car? Also the tach is pretty bouncy how do i fix that? thanks guys
Are you looking for an exact numbers correct replacement booster or something that looks pretty close? Big difference in price.
Regarding your tach, it could be the cable is dry or just worn out. Look there first. Alternatively, the drive gears inside the distributor could be the source. If so, always change both.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Frisco TX
Where is the booster vacuum sourced from?
My "73 Camaro had brake issues when I bought it - previous owner had replaced calipers, rotors, m/c, and booster to no avail. I found the booster T'd in with everything else on the manifold. Giving it its own 3/8vacuum source solved all the problems.
Good luck, Ed
My "73 Camaro had brake issues when I bought it - previous owner had replaced calipers, rotors, m/c, and booster to no avail. I found the booster T'd in with everything else on the manifold. Giving it its own 3/8vacuum source solved all the problems.
Good luck, Ed
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Here is a booster test procedure: http://www.type2.com/library/brakes/vacboo.htm. Here are a couple of replacement options: http://www.mbmbrakeboosters.com/. And:http://boosterdeweyexchange.com/.
hope this helps you.
hope this helps you.
