I recently acquired a 74 Maverick that's been sitting for 20 plus years. I decided to tackle the brake hydraulics as my first project. So far I've removed the rear wheel cylinders, disconnected the front caliper hoses and replaced the master cylinder, all without damaging the lines. Bench bled the master cylinder, connected the lines to it, and began trying to flush the lines by pumping the pedal. So far, I only have fluid coming out of the right front brake line. The fluid level in the rear section of the M/C drops as I pump. The front section of the M/C does not drop - so I assume there's a blockage in the line(s). I'm guessing the proportioning valve is part of my problem. I do have new wheel cylinders,hoses, and calipers but am holding off on installing until I can confirm good fluid flow to all 4 corners. Can any of you share your experience in getting one of these brake systems going again? I'm interested in your thoughts on what my next steps should be. Thanks in advance.
The rear sump is for the front discs. If you cap the front right do you get flow on the left? Are the rears connected to the wheel cylinders?
Thanks. I'll try that on the front. The rears are not connected to wheel cylinders - the lines are open.
On the distribution block there are 2 lines in, and 3 lines out. One is in from the master to the fronts, the other is in from the master to the rear. The rear only has a single line out from the block and the fronts have a left and right out from the block. If you are only getting flow to one of the fronts that could indicate an obstruction in that specific line out from the block. If you are getting nothing to the rears it could also be an obstruction in the line to the rears, but it could also be a problem with the front sump of the master. Regardless it would probably be a good idea to get a kit and reseal/rebuild the distribution block. Simple job. I used a kit from the link below, but you may want to look at the casting number on the block before you order. https://www.musclecarresearch.com/valve-kit-kh-D7DZ
Did you blow out the the lines with compressed air? "Pumping" the pedal is mostly pumping air. Holding the pedal to the floor constantly should eventually allow fluid to flow out of the lines unless there is an obstruction. Have you installed the new flex-hoses? You may need to bench-bleed the master cylinder again...
Thanks for the link to that kit. I'll go ahead and pull that valve to rebuild. That'll also give me a chance to test flow the lines with some brake fluid. I've avoided compressed air up to this point because I didn't want to risk impacting any crud that might be in the lines.
There are a few different kits on that site. Try to match the casting numbers on the block with the kits on the site.
