No brakes.....

[BigPile]

So I finally got a new engine for my manx-style buggy. Engine fires up, but now the brake pedal goes to the floor. I tried bleeding the brakes, but i get a slow stream at each wheel, and no change in the pedal going to the floor with no braking. The Master Cylinder was empty after sitting for 1.5 years. Do I just replace the MC or try and bleed it first? I just want this beast up and running before my wife makes me set it on fire. lol Should I start with bleeding the MC or what are my options? Thanks.

[oprn]

Look for leaks in the entire system. That brake fluid had to go somewhere, it doesn't evaporate!

[jspbtown]

First...change the master to a dual circuit. That's my suggestion just for pure safety reasons.

Secondly...did you tighten the shoes against the drums before you bled the system? If no then do a search as to the right way to bleed a VW based system.

Thirdly...that fuel filter looks a tad bit dirty.

[Dale M.]

Usually when pedal goes to floor (after repeated attempts to bleed) and no obvious leaks, it pretty much indicates bad master cylinder... Also never had great success with plastic reservoir (have two sitting in "bad parts" bin) I went to full aluminum reservoir to get a good one.... Seems (for me) the crimp of aluminum threaded base never has good seal with plastic body.... Look at your MC, see the fluid around reservoir base, indicates its leaking....

This was solution to my reservoir leak problem...

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C26-611-301

Dale
_________________
“Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns" - Thomas Jefferson.

"Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.
"Joe Pody Sandrover" Buggy with 2180 for Autocross (Sold)
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All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ...

[Q-Dog]

If the car has been sitting for a year or so with a dry brake system I would assume it ALL needs to be gone through. Metal parts that get brake fluid on them will rust once exposed to air for a while.

When the single master on mine failed I switched it to dual. Was an easy switch. Seems the single always leaked at the reservoir anyway.
_________________
Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

[manxdavid]

Looking at the rust on the brake pipes I'd say that the whole brake system needs going thru.

[andygere]

Look for leaks st the wheel cylinders.