FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

G'day guys...
Had a problem with my FC yesterday driving to work... The harder I pushed down on the brakes, the engine would start to rev harder. Stopped at the traffic light, pushing further down (so as not to roll) the engine would rev harder still and there would be a "windy" sound (making me think air was getting into the carby). Thinking it could be because the brake hose was a bit old and split that this was happening... but after changing the hose, it's still happening.

My question is, maybe something's fallen off the bottom of my booster and I haven't realised, causing more air to go into the system then there should be? Would air in the carby make it rev harder? Not sure what it looked like before so I can't tell if something's gone...

If you look at the pics below, when I place my hand over the round bit at the bottom, my hand is suctioned on pretty hard making me think something has fallen off and isn't sealing the booster anymore.

Any ideas anyone's got would be great... pics would be great too...!

top view...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Hewart/extras/booster.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Hewart/extras/underview.jpg)

Cheers
Les.....

Just a complete and un-educated guess, but is the bottom view the air inlet for the atmosphere side of the diaphram?
If so maybe the diaphram has a leak/hole so it is sucking through to this inlet??

Les, bad news - your booster is had it.
Will need a reco to fix

All the classic symptoms are exhibited in your case.

Ken

Hey Les.
That looks like a VH44 booster. I removed one from my car about 5 years ago and it is sitting in my Mum's shed (I think). If you can wait till early next week, I can get over there to look for it. Not sure it would be OK, but it was fine when I removed it. (Replaced with a VH40) Contact me if you are interested in it. I will make you an offer you can't refuse.
Regards
Alex

Bugger :-/ that's not the news I was hoping for Ken, but at least now I know.... thanks for the info guys....!
That sounds like a plan Alex, thanks.... I'll get in touch with you. Cheers!

I was able to drive it home last night, is it OK to drive on until I get it fixed up, or should I be sticking to the trains? Is it possible to disconect it and still be able to get around I wonder...?

Thanks again!!
Cheers
Les....

Hi Les,
You can still drive without the booster working because the hydraulic circuit will still be intact. Block off the vac line to the booster to keep the engine running smooth. You just wont have power assistance.
Are those lines to and from the booster just rusty or are they copper? If they're copper you should have them replaced with the proper steel bundy tube. Copper brake lines have been illegal for years - the copper hardens over time & fractures at the joints from vibration. Some of the new bundy tube is deceiving tho' as it's copper covered steel (to prevent rusting).
cheers,
Leigh

G'day all
               I seem to have the opposite problem, after putting in a new rubber brake hose (from line to axle, it was blocked solid), new cylinders and shoes, the booster is making a whooshing noise when i put on the brakes and the car stalls, can anyone tell me what is my problem , diaphram maybe?
                                       Cheers Rusty

Hey guys...
Took the old girl to the local brake guy today and he suggested it would a bit over $300-$340 to get the booster removed, reconditioned and replaced, sending it away for recondioning over a couple of days... something to think about over the weekend anyway!

Leigh, those lines to and from the booster aren't rusty, it looks like they are copper... might have to look into replacing them aswell maybe. I didn't realise they would be illegal - any chance that's only in Victoria... :-/ ;)
Thanks for the tip off...!

Cheers
Les....

If you can remove the booster yourself - it is a pretty simple job, you should be able to get a booster on exchange much cheaper than that.  I just exchanged mine two months ago for $180 walk in walk out, no waiting (I'm in Perth but there must be places over there that are as cheap).

Had the same problem as Rusty where it was affecting my manifold pressure and causing the engine to stall from starvation, Rusty, I believe you are correct in thinking it is the diaphram.  

Les
    Sorry to hear of your bad luck. Well no point in just sitting around for a couple of days till its fixed, you may as well pass the time by making up some more Icons for the old PC. ;D
As for your brake lines get them changed ASAP, when those copper lines decide to go you have no brakes at all.

Cheers
Sarge

my mate has fully rebuilt vh44 that they even beadblasted for him,looks like a brand new one,got it done by shop for a customer and she decided to use a spare good one from somewhere else,he paid $210 for it and siad he will sell for price he paid couple of weeks ago,if you want it i can see if he still has it.

Les,
$300 and you have to leave it for a couple of days sounds like you need to get it done somewhere else. A brake specialist should be able to do it about 100 bucks cheaper. The booster kits are still manufactured so they can't use the rare and hard to find excuse. I rebuilt the VH40 (disc brake model) on my FB, which is basically the same hydraulic cylinder with a bigger vacuum unit and the parts cost me $46. Took me just over an hour to do.
Not sure about other states but I know copper lines are illegal in both Vic and Qld. Given the fact they may be pretty old already, I'd get them replaced while doing the booster. With single circuit brakes you don't get a second chance.
cheers,
Leigh

If anyone is interested I have a good VH40L diaphram and the one way valve seal if anyone is interested.  I had it as a spare for my disc front HD but the car is sold so it can go.  $20 + postage will get it.  The diaphram is  a PBR one and is in excellent undamaged condition

Please email peteramanda@iprimus.com.au to discuss further.

Cheers

Peter

G'day guys...
Sounds like the brass lines are more of a saftey issue rather than legal, so I'll look into it. As for the booster itself, I might do a bit more shopping around, see if I can find a cheaper option....

As for the PC icons Sarge... I hear 'ya!! I still wasn't all that convinced they worked, but I will do some for you as soon as I can get some more "PC" time...

Thanks for the feedback!!
Cheers
Les....

Hey Les try Barbond Brakes at Penshurst 9570-8648.They are usually good on price.Thats where I get my stuff.
Cheers,
Graham

Nicko does your mate still have this or long gone now?
Matt