Re: IML: 1961 Because you know so much

[randalpark@xxxxxxx]

For 1961, the car WILL stop with out the power assist.

It is a separate system, so the brakes will work without it, but not 
very well. The power assist in 1961 was not integrated with the master 
cylinder, it was in 1962. Even so, the manufacturer expected that the 
power assist would always be functional during driving, so the brakes 
aren't very effective on their own. That said, if they are in top 
shape, adjusted properly, and the seat mounting bolts are firmly 
planted in the floor the car will stop. You really have to stand on 
them! I don't recommend driving it this way.

There are places that can rebuild that brake booster. Most of the late 
'50s & early '60s FSM's explain how to repair it. If it isn't correct, 
you really should purchase a correct one. Imperial Heaven/Bob 
Hoffmiester can probably help. His contact information is on the OIC 
web site and is great to do business with. Also, be sure that the 
vacuum lines are the correct type, or they will collapse and prevent 
effective braking assist.

Please be sure that the rest of your braking system is in top shape. 
Proper adjustment is CRITICAL. The brakes on these cars get a lot of 
criticism, but when properly maintained and adjusted they are among the 
best drum brakes ever built. A Factory Service Manual (FSM) is a great 
tool in understanding your car. They are available. Imperial brakes are 
pretty much the same from 1956 through 1962 with only minor changes. 
Any one of those years of FSM should be helpful in understanding the 
system.

Good luck and be safe!

Paul W.

-----Original Message-----
From: a1web@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thu, 15 Mar 2007 5:33 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 1961  Because you know so much

The biggest problem i have with my 1961 is the brakes. The bellow 
system no longer works. One day when i started the car it pulled the 
pedal to the floor and wouldn't release. I figured out that i could by 
pass this air assist by plugging the air line and still have brakes but 
they don't work to good. The bellow system I took it apart compared it 
ti a diagram and there is nothing missing and nothing seems to be worn 
My only guess is it has something to do with the outer spring.  what i 
need to know is how long should that spring be and whats the tension. 
The one that was in it is not the original plus it bent somehow so its 
unusable. Or if you have any tips on what it might be  thanks when I 
say outer spring I mean the spring on the insde of the bellow but 
closest to the outside front plate of the bellow

randalpark@xxxxxxx wrote: Its a pleasure to help!

I am not a scientist, engineer, physicist, or chemist. My knowledge
comes from practical experience, having to work on lots of cars and
having no money, reading the FSM for entertainment, and being a curious
person. Another helpful point is that the company I work for paid for
me to take a class in writing short, concise, polite e-mail. It has
done wonders!

I have dealt with, am still dealing with, or at least seen, nearly
every conceivable problem with a '50s or '60s Imperial that could
happen. That comes from having been around a long time. So does the
ability to finally be able to pay a good shop now and then to help get
caught up on repairs and maintenance.

Speaking of birthdays, don't wish away your youth, just enjoy it, and
allow us old timers to fill in when you need help. Someday you can do
the same for others and keep the hobby young!

IMPERIALS FOREVER!

Paul W.

-----Original Message-----
From: a1web@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 3:15 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 1961 oil preasure should I be concerned

I must tell you that you are one really smart guy. I wish you lived
near me so you and i could become best friends. that way when ever I
couldnt figure out what to do I could see my best friend and take his
advise thanks bro

randalpark@xxxxxxx wrote: The oil pressure on the gauge has nothing to
do with the pressure that
is pushing oil out of the filler cap.

The lubricating oil pressure is created by the oil pump and pushes the
oil through the oiling system to keep the engine lubricated. The gauge
may read low due to worn engine parts or due to a faulty gauge. The
gauges on our cars are notoriously inaccurate. You can have the oil
pressure checked at a shop. They will connect into the system with a
real gauge and tell you if the oil pressure is okay. Generally, any oil
pressure is enough. When it is too low, you will hear the lifters
tapping at stop signs at idle when the car is warmed up.

The pressure pushing oil out the filler cap is crankcase back pressure,
and can be caused by worn engine parts, namely piston rings, or a
plugged up crankcase ventilation system. 1961 uses flow through
ventilation. This means that air is usually sucked in though the
breather cap and expelled via the draft tube. The draft tube starts on
the right valve cover and runs down the passenger's side back of the
engine. It ends under the car by the bell housing. If there is
smoke/air/oil coming out of the filler cap, there should also be some
coming out of the draft tube. If not, the problem isn't likely due to
engine wear as much as to a plugged draft tube, or draft tube filter.

It is possible that at some time in the car's past, that it has been
fitted with a pcv valve. If so, this likely would have been done in the
vicinity of where the old draft tube had been, right side valve cover.
If this has been done to your car, and the vacuum hose has become
disconnected or split, or the valve has failed, crank case pressure
will increase and oil will be pushed out the filler cap.

I hope this helps.

Paul W.

-----Original Message-----
From: rcjm60@xxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:56 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 1961 oil preasure should I be concerned

Hi,

My 61 does the exact same thing. The oil pressure reads pretty low and
I get some smoke out of the breather cap until it warms up. I only
have 81K miles on mine and it runs great.
It may be normal for this engine with some miles on it.
Kevin

"Steve B." wrote:
> My 1961 oil preasure gage has always on the low end. It has never
even
> read dead center. I have had the car for 15 years and rarely drive it
,
> and it runs good. But now it needs to be my main and only car to get
> around. Im curiose if the preasure is low why then does oil blow out
> threw the breither cap . Wouldnt that appear to prove that there is
> plenty of preasure? What is the normal amount of preasure on the oil
for
> this 413 wedge moter? Als the car does not ever over heat wouldnt low
oil
> preasure tend to heat the moter up ?

Oil pressure gauges are kind of like fishing buddies... You can trust
them
to tell you the basics but when it gets down to the nitty gritty they
might
not tell you the whole truth. The best way to know for sure what is
happening is to temporarily connect a mechanical calibrated gauge and
see
what your pressure actually is. I consider 10psi per 1000rpm (hot)to be
safe. Anything below that I start to worry a bit.

The oil blowing out the breather cap has nothing to do with oil
pressure.
As an engine wears more and more of the combustion gas blows by the
rings.
These gasses have to get out somehow and the breather is the easiest
way
out. You have to have a pretty good bit blowing out to carry the oil
with
it. I dont remember what year PCV came out, but if you have a PCV valve
make sure the valve is good and the hose and passages aren't clogged.

> From your description of the low oil pressure and excessive blowby it
sounds
like you have an engine that is starting to get old and tired. A
rebuild
would bring it back to good as new, but you likely have thousands of
miles
of life left in it. Change the oil often and make sure you keep it full
and
watch the oil pressure. I would expect it to slowly get worse and worse
until it reaches the point that it will be obvious to you that it is
time
for a rebuild.

Steve B.



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