MustangRanch 14 Report post Posted October 12, 2013 Did I do a bad thing? ... after 44 years; the brake lines did not want to let go of their comfortable distribution block. Cut the lines, removed it from the car and soaked the whole distribution block in a bucket-o-parts cleaner. (yes I did get the middle plastic/electrical connection off the top). With a significant amount of motivation that included a tree in the backyard, the lines finally let loose. however, I'm wondering if there are any vulnerable parts inside the block that may have been damaged by the soaking... anybody know? Copper sure looks nice and shiny now though... Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
det0326 179 Report post Posted October 12, 2013 (edited) Did I do a bad thing? ... after 44 years; the brake lines did not want to let go of their comfortable distribution block. Cut the lines, removed it from the car and soaked the whole distribution block in a bucket-o-parts cleaner. (yes I did get the middle plastic/electrical connection off the top). With a significant amount of motivation that included a tree in the backyard, the lines finally let loose. however, I'm wondering if there are any vulnerable parts inside the block that may have been damaged by the soaking... anybody know? Copper sure looks nice and shiny now though... Thanks. What kind of solvent? If it is just the old run of the mill shop solvent probably not. The kind I am referring to is not much more than kerosene. Anything stronger then I don't know. If the ports were open you may have got some grit or trash inside you may have to clean it out . Edited October 12, 2013 by det0326 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prayers1 153 Report post Posted October 12, 2013 Is it Power or Manual brakes. While its off you might want to rebuild it, it is very easy. Theres a brass check pin inside with 2 O rings. The check pin moves from side to side telling you if you have a leak (front or back). Most of the times the pin gets frozen stuck. There's a great youtube video on the power brake rebuild by Classic Cougar. I think the parts are about $10 and you can get them from MuscleCarResearch.com Soaking parts in Vinegar, will produce the same results. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MustangRanch 14 Report post Posted October 13, 2013 http://www.amazon.com/Berryman-0996-Chem-Dip-Carburetor-Cleaner/dp/B00DSMEL2A/ it was a chem dip parts cleaner... hoping to loosen line nuts. Worked for getting the nuts off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
det0326 179 Report post Posted October 13, 2013 http://www.amazon.com/Berryman-0996-Chem-Dip-Carburetor-Cleaner/dp/B00DSMEL2A/ it was a chem dip parts cleaner... hoping to loosen line nuts. Worked for getting the nuts off. worse case it may have dissolved the o rings prayers1 talks about as he said you might want to rebuild anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted October 13, 2013 The O rings are toast after all these years. If you buy the rebuild kit from west coast classic cougar, expect to spend about $50. Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MustangRanch 14 Report post Posted October 13, 2013 rebuilding we will go... thanks for the answers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
