After installing a new master cylinder on this 66 Westy I took her for a
little spin and made a few scheduled panic stops.
On about number five panic stop I blew a wheel cylinder plunger out of
the cylinder.
Duh! First ever for me.
I found that I had not properly adjusted the front brake shoe and I'm
guessing that the drums may be reaching their outer limits.
Not a big deal replacing the seal and making the proper adjustments but I
sure am glad I though to give it a thorough testing before I blasted out
on a lengthy run.
Strange thing, I've driven this van 2700 miles like this (ill adjusted
brakes) and everything seemed fine. I'm guessing that the secondary brake
area of the old master cylinder was bleeding by and not applying enough
pressure to blow the plunger out.
With careful examination and adjustments to both rear wheels I'm
confident that this event can't happen again.
What I learned ............... old vans need precision brake adjustments
and if they are left too long with bad or worn out brake shoes this could
happen again.

Stan Wilder

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