So took my Maverick out last week, noticed the brakes were spongy, so I decided to take a look at the rear first. Found out the wheel cylinders are leaking, so time to replace. Since I need to do that, I decided to install the power brake booster I purchased a couple years ago, and just never found the time to get it done (see this thread http://mmb.maverick.to/threads/adding-power-brakes-to-a-1974-comet.36934/ which was named: Adding Power Brakes to a 1974 Comet). I bought the booster that Nightshades recommended from http://www.abspowerbrake.com/. This is a '76 Maverick with a 200 I-6 engine. First thing I was "trying" to do was remove the end plug (yellow arrow) in the vacuum connector so I could buy a fitting to attach a hose that will run to the new booster. I put a 5/8" socket on the bolt and turned it just a little bit, and "pop" I saw I broke the connector (red arrow). It must be white metal or something soft, because I didn't put much pressure on it at all. So, is this part even available as a replacement, or is there an alternate way to do this (I believe there are 3 other small hoses that need to be attached)??? How do I go about fixing this mess? I'm guessing I'll be able to use an easy out to get the broken threaded part out (hopefully). It's one of those nights when I should have stayed in the house and went to bed!
Yep....you should have held the part with an end wrench while you tried to remove the plug. This is a standard part on all 6 cyl cars so you should be able to find one. Yes...an easy out will get out the rest. There is a mini-meet in Dearborn, Michigan at the end of the month....maybe I will see you there.
Thanks guys for the quick replies. I had no idea that part was so fragile (lesson learned). Anybody know what the size and threads of that opening will be? Would be great if I can get something on order before I have a chance to remove the broken part.
Wow, that would be awesome, thank you very much. Art Bartle Paramount Ind. Inc. 304 N. Howard St. Croswell, MI 48422 I hope I don't have too much trouble getting the broken piece removed. Might try that "freeze & release" stuff I've heard about.
Frank, It was getting late last night, but before I went to bed I happen to check this thread, and saw your note to "soak it in PB blaster". I actually put my shoes back on and went to the shed and sprayed it down. I'll hit it a couple more times b4 I try removing the broken piece. Just now wondering if I have an easy out that large, if not time to add to my tool collection....
I was just looking at my photo close up and I wondered about getting the "new" part on. It "looks" as if to screw it on, the exhaust manifold will be in the way (because the vacuum tree is a long rectangle)? Not sure until I actually get in there, but that's how it looks in the photo. Anybody know if that true, because I don't want to remove the exhaust manifold!
Thank you, much appreciated!! Did you have to remove the tree from the intake manifold? When I re-install it, will I have any problems threading it in without hitting the exhaust manifold?
