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brake fluid reservoir appearance

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HI HealyGal, Where U been? The reservoir can be powdercoated if it is Copper plated first. It also must be completely disassembled to prevent the inner can from separating in the oven. Additionaly, a plastic top is recommended to avoid damaging the powdercoated threads--Cheers --Keoke
 
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It also must be completely disassembled to prevent the inner can from separating in the oven. Cheers --Keoke

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I don't think it has an inner can.
D
 
Well Dave, you are probably right,but you have to cover all the bases you know.-- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif---Keoke
 
Hi Keoke,
Decided on Buttonwillow for the weekend - only four big Healeys there in the car show - guess everyone else was at Indio.

Funny thing happened - an MG owner came up to me and asked if I live in Garden Grove - he often sees a female in a red Healey traveling on Lampson Avenue. Sure enough, it's me! Had to go 160 miles to meet a neighbor who lives about 1/2 a mile away.

Anyway, you're right - lot of work for what basically looks like an old tin can, although an aluminum one sure would look nice along side my aluminum valve cover!

Sharon
BN1
 
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You could switch over to silicone fluid but there are many pros/cons to consider first!

I've wondered if the vent hole is necessary. I read recently that the brake fluid does not need to be changed for the life of the vehicle in some modern cars because they seal the system so much better now.

I am repainting my reservoir and using an Imron paint which has excellent resistance to chemicals. Using a new rubber gasket on the cap and new aluminum washers on the bottom joints to keep it from leaking.

Cheers,
John

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Gee, and I thought BMWs were fairly modern; all our cars (1999, 2001 & 2005) have a recommended service interval of two (2) years to purge and replenish the brake fluid. I always did my British cars annually.
 
I probably shouldn't say this. Feel free to chastize me if you wish. I purchased a new Ford Ranger pickup in 1984. It still has the original brake fluid in it. Sealed rubber diaphragm top gasket. It's only been open a few times to check fluid level. Fluid is still clear. Brakes are still working fine, no apparent fade or fluid boiling under hard use.

To make the story worse, or better, it also has the original coolant in it. Topped up a few times but never changed. No noticeable plugging or corrosion of the system. Coolant is still clean looking green stuff.

Makes you wonder about the frequent change recommendations or my sanity. Take your pick.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm trying a sealed top on the Healey brake fluid can. It doesn't leak any more. So far - so good. In theory, with the high mounted gravity feed can & a little free space in the can, it shouldn't need venting. Time will tell.
D
 
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Gee, and I thought BMWs were fairly modern; all our cars (1999, 2001 & 2005) have a recommended service interval of two (2) years to purge and replenish the brake fluid. I always did my British cars annually.

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Hi Randy,

I too have mine changed on my 2001 Saab about every 2 years (30K miles)so was surprised to read that some manufacturers are recommending not to change the fluid these days because of better hose materials and sealed systems. I found a couple of articles that go into the details of why some manufacturers recommend frequent changes and others don't. It appears that Dave's dry climate in Idaho probably has a lot to do with his vintage fluid still working well .. and his truck probably doesn't have ABS!

https://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3102/is_9_123/ai_n6221217
https://hostingprod.com/@aa1car.com/library/procut3b.htm

Cheers,
John
 
Well OK Sharon if you want to be that way. OH! by the way I just found out what "CHW" means; Critically Hot Weather-temps at Indio were in the 101 degree range.I saw one of the new six cylinder car valve cover it was very nice looking all of them I saw leaked oil though.I will get one if I can convice the vendor to machine an "O" ring groove in the bottom. Hope you had a good time and stayed coooool.---Keoke----OH about that overpriced tin can there is one other option,I have been told that all Helealys exported to spain had brass cans I have seen one but not sure about that spain bit,but then you gotta polish it.???? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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Gee, and I thought BMWs were fairly modern; all our cars (1999, 2001 & 2005) have a recommended service interval of two (2) years to purge and replenish the brake fluid. I always did my British cars annually.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Randy,

I too have mine changed on my 2001 Saab about every 2 years (30K miles)so was surprised to read that some manufacturers are recommending not to change the fluid these days because of better hose materials and sealed systems. I found a couple of articles that go into the details of why some manufacturers recommend frequent changes and others don't. It appears that Dave's dry climate in Idaho probably has a lot to do with his vintage fluid still working well .. and his truck probably doesn't have ABS!

https://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3102/is_9_123/ai_n6221217
https://hostingprod.com/@aa1car.com/library/procut3b.htm

Cheers,
John

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Thanks John, those were ineresting points of view. Can't say that I agree with the Big Three though /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
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I have had very good results using "Stat O Seal" or "Dowty" washers to seal the bottom of the brake/clutch fluid cans

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I can't say that I've had any leak problems with the aluminum washers but these look like they would really work well. Hoping the local speed shop carries them ...

Thanks!
 
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I have had very good results using "Stat O Seal" or "Dowty" washers to seal the bottom of the brake/clutch fluid cans

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I can't say that I've had any leak problems with the aluminum washers but these look like they would really work well. Hoping the local speed shop carries them ...

Thanks!

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Pegasus Auto Racing carries them:
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/ProductSelection.asp?Product=3245
 
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The real answer is a sealed gasket/diaphragm with a vent above it. Like "modern" cars have. It also keeps the system completely sealed. Only problem is I haven't found a rubber gadget that will fit the small filler hole & cap. Has anyone come up with something?

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Hi Dave,
I came across this diaphragm at the local auto store the other day. It physically fits in the reservoir cap (it's in the cap in the photo). Not sure how it will work, I’m a ways away from driving my car. You might want to take a look the next time your in the “HELP” section. (See attached, part number is on left side.)
 
Greg,
Thanks, I may give it a try. The solid gasket with no vent hole is still working ok. I guess these systems don't need much "breathing room".
D
 
Re: brake fluid reservoir appearance -up-date

Hi Greg,
I got a Help # 42072 diaphram gasket as you suggested. It fits my brake cylinder cap & assures that NO moisture is going to get in the fluid due to the open cap vent. Thanks again for a great suggestion. The outside of the can has been totally dry with no paint damage to the can.
D
 
Re: brake fluid reservoir appearance -up-date

Great! Now you can change the brake fluid as ofter as you change it on the Ranger. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif BTW, I also have a Ranger. Good for hauling Healey parts around.

Cheers,
Greg
 
Re: brake fluid reservoir appearance -up-date

Don't laugh. The Healey brake fluid is three years old. Still clear & the same color as original. No signs of any trouble. Maybe it's the dry climate. I may be able to go 20 more years with it. Humidity seldom goes over 30 to 35 percent around here.
D
 
Re: brake fluid reservoir appearance -up-date

Hi Yal, I,m kind of a simplistic kind of guy, not really into showing just driving, here's my solution which has had no maintenance issues for 3 years now, I cleaned up the whole can, sanded it good top to bottom, taped off the top part above the top rim, painted side portions with black base/clear, and just polished the top above the rim and the threads and the cap. After bleeding the system topped off the can to just a tick below the divider portion inside the can. Have had no spueing or leaking in 3 years. And if I drop alittle when i check it it just drops on the polished top surface and I wipe it up with a clean tissue. The black paint on the sides is still in good shape.
By the way, my '94 Blazer has never had the lid off the reservoir. But then that's a CHIVEE. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
 
Re: brake fluid reservoir appearance -up-date

Laugh? I’m envious. I’ve replaced my brake fluid twice in my truck in less than 4 years. When I pulled apart the brake system in the Healey, it looked like old silicon caulking.
 
Re: brake fluid reservoir appearance -up-date

Hey Greg! know where I can get that seal thing for less than about $6.00---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif
 
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