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Darn Pedro struck again

70herald

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I only had to get the air out of the brakes so that I can bring my car in for inspection on Sunday (a regular business day here). Poured in a bit of brake fluid, and it came shooting out of one of the rear cylinders. Luckily I had a spare, swapped it, got the air out and when to look for leaks and fluid is dribbling out THROUGH one of the pipes. It kind of looks like the pipe was dented so hopefully the problem isn't rust. I guess I will cut the end off and put a new flare in. I should have enough pipe to make it work at least temporarily. Still I am going to have to replace the brake pipes soon.

I also still have a small leak from the oil pan, coolant coming up from one of the head studs (head gasket??? hope not, maybe it will stop when I re-torque the head bolts), and a small dribble from one of the new freeze plugs. However these problems shouldn't hold up inspection so I should be able to drive a bit before winter starts. The car hasn't driven in more than 2 years.
 
Sounds like somebody didn't do regular bleeds! I always bleed the car just before I put it away in the winter and just after I get it out for the summer. I've put speedbleeders on all of my cars so it's quick and easy to do.

When I went down to look at the TR3A I eventually bought, the DPO said he was absolutely sure it would make it if I wanted to drive from it from NJ back to MA. Given the price he was asking and the pictures I'd seen, I just doubted that on general principle. But when I arrived to look at the car, I discovered that both front brake hoses were wrapped in duct tape! I took the duct tape off and sure enough, they were both ruptured. What on earth made this guy think that car was safe to drive down the block, let alone hundreds of miles...
 
What a complete moron that guy must have been. Everyone knows that black electrical tape is much less noticeable.
 
Have you considered removing the stud itself and coating with water sealant before reinstalling it? If the threads pass through, or enter a water jacket, might be something to consider.
 
70herald said:
However these problems shouldn't hold up inspection so I should be able to drive a bit before winter starts.
Before *winter* starts?

Maybe if global warming really kicks in good, I might stand some chance of just being able to *start* my Spit during winter here.
 
Stirkle said:
What a complete moron that guy must have been. Everyone knows that black electrical tape is much less noticeable.

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif
 
RonMacPherson said:
Have you considered removing the stud itself and coating with water sealant before reinstalling it? If the threads pass through, or enter a water jacket, might be something to consider.

Spitfire type engine, not an old wet liner engine. The stud better not be going into the water jacket! If it is I have real problems. I hope that it will stop when I tighten down the head a bit more after driving a bit. This seems to be somewhat of a problem with these engines. Several of the old stud were partly rusted. At the worst, if it doesn't stop I will put on a new head gasket.
 
guzzul said:
70herald said:
However these problems shouldn't hold up inspection so I should be able to drive a bit before winter starts.
Before *winter* starts?

Maybe if global warming really kicks in good, I might stand some chance of just being able to *start* my Spit during winter here.

It gets rainy here in the winter, and I haven't gotten to the seals around the top yet. Last time I drove on day which looked rainy first it started to pour and rain was pouring down from the windshield on the inside and then the hail started.
 
jdubois said:
Sounds like somebody didn't do regular bleeds!

Possible, but it looks like the pipe is dented right at the leak. I happen to have access to a very good lab at work well set up for metallurgical investigations. After I cut out the leak I will take it into the lab to find out if it rusted from the inside out or if it was mechanical damage. Either way I will order a full set of new brake pipes. 37 years really is enough for something that critical
 
Yupper!!

You been Pedro-ized !!!!

Ain't no doubt about it.

If ya look real close, there should be a wad of chewing
gum under the tape, directly over the actual leak.
Chewing gum is a dead give-away you been Pedro-ized.

Pedro-ized!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/nopity.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif
 
Tinster said:
Chewing gum is a dead give-away you been Pedro-ized.

You sure? Sure seems like chewing gum might have been an OEM part on some of the late 70's cars /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
 
PedroPhoto.jpg
[/img]
 
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