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Post by stevem on Jun 23, 2008 12:21:56 GMT
Whilst driving along, very occasionally the brake warning light momentarily flashes on. If you disconnect the switch on the brake fluid reservoir the light stays off so its obviously that switch and not the handbrake switch. If you remove the switch from the reservoir it operates the light as it should. Anyone else had a similar problem? The reservoir is at max level and there has been no loss of fluid. This is on a '72 coupe by the way. Thanks Steve
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jun 23, 2008 16:58:27 GMT
Its quite normal - the switch operates on a cork float which makes comtact with very poor "points" these corrode. They can be cleaned but in any event never rely on this device
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Post by Warwick on Jun 24, 2008 4:29:05 GMT
If the reservoir's cap is also corroded badly (mine had separated from the threaded part), a good replacement is the cap from a small can of thinners, or similar. These days these caps usually have a child-proof plastic outer - the type you push down and turn to unscrew.
If you break off the plastic part by nibbling at the edges with wire-cutters or side-cutters, you will find a zinc-plated steel cap with the same thread. In order to prevent a vacuum forming when the fluid level drops, I drilled a tiny hole in the cap then punctured the seal inside the cap with a needle. Make sure the holes aren't opposite.
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Post by gregwebb on Jun 24, 2008 11:03:32 GMT
I fitted a plastic brake reservoir from a p6b which includes a low fluid indicator. I believe that later p5b's were fitted with this type from new. No more worries about corroded caps etc.
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Post by Warwick on Jun 24, 2008 11:39:40 GMT
Was that a straight swap Greg, or did you need to adapt or modify something?
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Post by Keith - Portsmouth on Jun 24, 2008 12:28:52 GMT
I think some P6 brake reservoirs have two outlets (dual circuit brakes?). If you get the single outlet one (earlier version?), it is a straight swap. A plastic reservoir was fitted as standard to later P5Bs.
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Post by harvey on Jun 24, 2008 12:50:03 GMT
I think some P6 brake reservoirs have two outlets (dual circuit brakes?). If you get the single outlet one (earlier version?), it is a straight swap. A plastic reservoir was fitted as standard to later P5Bs. The dual outlet reservoirs on the P6 are just for the 3500S (manual) as they use the reservoir to supply both the brakes and clutch. All auto V8's and all 4cyl cars use the single outlet and they are the same as P5B.
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Post by chazmac on Jun 24, 2008 13:05:49 GMT
Hi the later P5B plastic reservoir is the same as the P6. You need an automatic one with a single outlet rather than for a manual car which has two outlet pipes one for the clutch. However the mounting bracket is totally different and it will sit at the wrong angle resting against and probably chaffing the loom. I have just managed to get a hold of 2 P5b reservoirs and brackets. One is now on my car and the other is promised to colin. The bracket is just a plain 90 degree angle iron with two holes on the horizontal side for the reservoir and it has 3 on the vertical. The middle one being used to mount it. My car is a 68 and should have ( did have) the metal type but it was very rusty with no lid. They are very expensive and the plastic one is fine
Chaz
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Post by Warwick on Jun 24, 2008 14:32:48 GMT
Thanks fellas; that's very handy to know. Another job to add to the growing list.
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jun 24, 2008 16:38:42 GMT
Similar plastic reservoirs which are bigger anyway than the bean can type were fitted to Land Rovers except no level cap (its just as unreliable as well) . Just a short length of 1/4 rubber tube connects to the master cylinder so just cut the existing metal tube short and push tube on - secure with cable tie. Its low pressure
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Post by gregwebb on Jun 25, 2008 11:53:11 GMT
The only mod I needed to do was make up a small right angle bracket to bolt the plastic reservoir with one outlet to the original mounting fixture on the inner guard and thus ensuring it does't rub on the wiring. Really easy mod to do.
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