'76 Brake System Failure Switch

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
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JerryH
Posts: 121
Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2010 11:00 pm
Your car is a: 1976 124
Location: Erie, Colorado

'76 Brake System Failure Switch

Post by JerryH »

The warm weather is here! I need to fix my brakes so I can drive my car!

The 'brake system failure switch' on my '76 has got a leak. I've cleaned the device and it appears to be leaking where the electrical connection is made. I'd like to get rid of this block--it's a nuisance. In an earlier post (http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=15914) Csaba recommended that when I replace this unit that I put in a new metal front left brake line. I've also purchased a new master cylinder and soft brake lines that I plan to install. Here's my plan:

1. Purchase and install a later model fluid reservoir which uses a float sensor on the cap. Anyone got one of these for sale?
2. Install the new MC (I understand that I should 'pre-fill' the new MC with fluid before installation to make bleeding easier).
3. Install new lines from the reservoir to the MC. Is it okay to use fuel line here?
4. Replace the front left brake line as Csaba recommends. Where can I source one of these lines? I know that NAPA has a selection of brake lines, will those work in this application?
5. Replace the front soft brake lines (there seems to be plenty of threads on how to do this on this forum)
6. Bleed the brakes and drive!

Question 1; Is this a good idea? Any recommendations or advice?
Question 2: I have 3 'hard' lines coming out of my MC. According to the diagram in this document [http://www.artigue.com/fiatcontent/serv ... /331-3.pdf], Line 3 goes to the rear, Line 2 goes to the front left and Line 1 goes to the front right wheel. Is this correct? Do I only need to replace the front left line?

Thanks to everyone for your help!


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1976 Fiat 124
1972 Fiat 124
User avatar
JerryH
Posts: 121
Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2010 11:00 pm
Your car is a: 1976 124
Location: Erie, Colorado

Re: '76 Brake System Failure Switch

Post by JerryH »

Bump!

I'd sure appreciate comments from someone that has done this.

Thanks,

-J
1976 Fiat 124
1972 Fiat 124
User avatar
124JOE
Posts: 3141
Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:11 pm
Your car is a: 1978 124 fiat spider sport 1800
Location: SO. WI

Re: '76 Brake System Failure Switch

Post by 124JOE »

i am going to do the MC soon
yes 1,2,3 are right

my 78 has the switch on the top of my tank

you could get it going in a day if you have all you need to start
and a spare set of hands
when you do everything correct people arent sure youve done anything at all (futurama)
ul1joe@yahoo.com 124joe@gmail.com
User avatar
JerryH
Posts: 121
Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2010 11:00 pm
Your car is a: 1976 124
Location: Erie, Colorado

Re: '76 Brake System Failure Switch

Post by JerryH »

Saturday afternoon status:

The master cylinder is out, the sensor block is out and the left front brake line is out. It's clear that In order to eliminate the sensor block, I'll need a longer left front brake line to run it directly to the MC. It looks to me like I'll need a longer rear brake line as well-- but I'll study the situation a bit more.

It is apparent that my master cylinder was leaking out the back into the booster--it will be good to eliminate that leak with the new MC..

Man the weather is nice today--I need to get this car back on the road!
-J
1976 Fiat 124
1972 Fiat 124
User avatar
124JOE
Posts: 3141
Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:11 pm
Your car is a: 1978 124 fiat spider sport 1800
Location: SO. WI

Re: '76 Brake System Failure Switch

Post by 124JOE »

:wink:
when you do everything correct people arent sure youve done anything at all (futurama)
ul1joe@yahoo.com 124joe@gmail.com
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