Thanks Vinnie!
I didn't know any better either, but I'd rather be safe than sorry especially as I'll be running this set up on my enduro kart. I didn't realize that the double cones were for copper tubing and flat for plastic. Most of the enduro stuff I run is at Roebling Road which isn't brake intensive at all, you really just need them coming into the pits. Coupled with the fact that I am about as aerodynamic as barn door, I could probably shorten the stopping distance by 60' if I sat up straight. From what I hear VIR and (especially) Kershaw are totally different stories so I want my brakes in tip top shape.
Had an interesting brake failure of sorts a couple years back. I stored the kart vertically for the cross country move and all the fluid drained out of the M/C because one of the screws wasn't tightened down all the way. (Gotta love the H/A design which requires you disassemble the brake actuator and or drain the system to tighten down the screws). I've had brakes systems leak before, but in this case the brake fluid followed the line down to the caliper and saturated the pads. Anyway the kart sat for about a year and then I took it out to run at Roebling. Before I went out I checked the level in the M/C, it was down so I topped it off. From all outward appearances everything looked fine, the bolts were tight and safety wired, nothing wrong visually. Went out and ran a 20 minute session without using the brakes...It was only when I came into the pits did I notice that the brakes weren't slowing me down as they should. I eventually stopped and when I checked them the heat had made the fluid more viscous. The pads and rotor looked like someone sprayed it with fry-grease. DOOOOHHHHH. Lesson learned without hurting anyone or myself.
Compression Fittings
Moderator: Rob Voska
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Dan Flanders
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vince hughes
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2007 11:30 am
Re: Compression Fittings
Like I said, Ive never had a problem. If you overtighten any of them, you can cut thru the plastic, or not tight enough will fall out.
My brake story: I had a Margay, something like an Expert with a 101 I thru in the truck and headed up to Adams. I got it fired and jumped in and realized all the brake juice was going on the ground. The plastic line was brittle from age, and had fractured on the trip to the track just from road bumps. Line was only secured at the ends, so could bounce around all it wanted. Glad it didnt happen going into turn 1 at mach2. Track had no parts, so my day was done. Flush, load, 2 hours home. I now have parts in my tool box! A little brake maintance is probably a good thing.
My brake story: I had a Margay, something like an Expert with a 101 I thru in the truck and headed up to Adams. I got it fired and jumped in and realized all the brake juice was going on the ground. The plastic line was brittle from age, and had fractured on the trip to the track just from road bumps. Line was only secured at the ends, so could bounce around all it wanted. Glad it didnt happen going into turn 1 at mach2. Track had no parts, so my day was done. Flush, load, 2 hours home. I now have parts in my tool box! A little brake maintance is probably a good thing.