Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Gmg31 on Saturday,April 28, 2018, 07:47:37 AM
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I’ve just installed a remote brake servo and the moment I start my engine the brakes come on and the wheels a locked. I’ve connected pipe from the master cylinder to the side of the servo and the pipe from the end of the servo to the 4 branch union. Is it possible I’ve done this the wrong way round?
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I assume you have a Lockheed booster. If so, you have it plumbed correctly. It would seem the air valve or air valve piston is stuck.
I hope the diagram helps.
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Do the brakes release if you disconnect the rubber suction pipe from the inlet manifold?
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I seem to remember there is supposed to be locking device fitted to the filter/ valve for shipping. Mine didn't have one. Be careful when removing the plastic cap, there is a spring inside.
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Use the diagram above to see which way the pipes are fitted. Usually fitting them backwards means no brakes.
Is this a new or rebuilt booster?
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It a second hand one. I may have made an error in trying to save a few pounds. Duh
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I have overhauled a few boosters (10 or so?). I have also fixed other people's overhauls. One chap fit a valve backwards so the booster actually pushed back rather than assisted. Now that was a firm, but remarkably ineffective, pedal. They eat up a lot of time to overhaul so we got to the point of only fitting new ones. It was much cheaper than all the work that is involved in overhauling a 40+ year old original.
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Thanks JB. I’ll have a look at that valve before I decide what to do. Clearly the vacuum part is working well so I don’t want to make a hasty decision.
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I took the cap off the top of the valve. The valve doesn’t come out so I’m assuming it can’t be upside down. However within the cap was a plastic collar which, as far as I can see would only serve to block any escaping air. Not sure if it’s meant to be there.
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When you apply the brakes, fluid pressure pushes the valve up shutting off engine vacuum and allowing atmospheric pressure in. The "filter" keeps muck from getting in.
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In the photo it looks like a soft felt filter but it’s actually hard plastic. I’m guessing this is my most likely problem.
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Nope, sounds right.