Hi Rob:

Thanks for the reply. My problem sounds more like your second description. I
did go in and adjust the brakes. I basically adjusted them until the wheel
stop moving and then backed off until they were free, or just barely
scraping. Certainly not 10 turn though-- maybe three or four. I was never
able to get the brake drum off, but the star wheel did move freely. I am not
aware of a star lock, so I was able to hear an audible click. A standard
brake adjusting tool was too wide, so I ended up grinding the heck out of a
standard one until it would fit. A standard screwdriver worked well in one
direction but not the other.

Anyway, I start to get brake pressure about half way, perhaps a little bit
beyond that. It certainly is not what I would consider to be a real firm
pedal though. I doubt I could lock up the wheels.

Here's another little twist to this whole equation: On the bottom of my
master cylinder flange (where it attaches to the brake booster) was a
perfectly round hole (looked like it was suppose be there but wasn't) and
air was being sucked into or out of the brake booster, so, basically a leak.
I took some JB Weld and sealed that, and all has been fine, but there still
may be a small leak there. For the life of me, I still can't figure out why
that hole was there-- it was so perfectly shaped and everything, but it was
confirmed by several people it was not supposed to be there.

That's one more reason I want to change out the cylinder. Lastly, when I
apply the brakes I am feeling of fluctuation in the pedal pressure. That is
to say more friction and less friction. When I was adjusting the brakes,
this is pretty much how things were acting as well. In other words, the
brakes would hit in one spot, and then free up. I seriously doubt the pads
are the same shape (arch) as the inside of that drum. It's been wearing for
quite some time, so I don't understand this or how to fix it, short of
replacing the pads and brake drums. If I could get the damn drums off it
would help, but can't budge those suckers.

Troy

> I'm hesitant to get into this one....
>
> A master cyl problem- pedal goes ALL THE WAY to the floor, NO brakes at
> all, with the next pump you have normal brakes. Does this sometimes.
>
> Adjustment problem- pedal goes half way to the floor & brakes work,
> another quick pump and the pedal feels 'normal' and the brakes STILL work.
> Does this all the time.
>
> Adjust the rear brakes. Figure out which way to turn the adjusting star,
> figure out how to release the adjust star lock (usually push a lever out
> of the way). Jack up the rear, and start turning the star "in" until you
> just can't turn the wheel by hand, then back the star off 10 "clicks"
> (you'll have to guess how much a click is as they don't make that noise
> with the release lever pushed out of the way). Repeat the process to the
> other wheel.
> Now go check the brakes again, does the pedal feel 'normal' now?
>
>
> Rob