Easy pre-filght brake fluid reservoir

A forum to discuss resources, suppliers, tips, and general information common to two or more of the biplanes.
orchardair
Posts: 215
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:56 pm

Easy pre-filght brake fluid reservoir

Post by orchardair »

I wanted a brake fluid reservoir I could easily see the fluid level in.

I had a couple of old air filters I got years ago from Harbor freight for my air compressor. HF has since changed their design, but you can still get similar ones off of ebay:
filter.JPG
filter.JPG (19.24 KiB) Viewed 1038 times
I only used the bottom clear bowl. The trick is to get the ones with a 1/8" NPT fitting on the bottom. You can unscrew the pressure release valve at the bottom out.

I then cut the top 1" of the bowl off, to get rid of the odd size thread.

Ordered a 1/8" thick Lexan sheet, cut to size and drilled and tapped for a plug that is also a breather vent. Drilling with a step-bit was easy.
process.JPG
process.JPG (39.18 KiB) Viewed 1038 times
super-glue, sand to look nice.
done.JPG
done.JPG (47.23 KiB) Viewed 1038 times
And here it is with the master cylinder
master.JPG
master.JPG (107.7 KiB) Viewed 1038 times
I will test with brake fluid before I commit to this, to make sure the plastics are good with the fluid, but I am optimistic.
Hatz Classic plans# 136
jwhanson
Posts: 96
Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:55 pm

Re: Easy pre-filght brake fluid reservoir

Post by jwhanson »

What brand of master cylinder is that?
John Hanson
orchardair
Posts: 215
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:56 pm

Re: Easy pre-filght brake fluid reservoir

Post by orchardair »

jwhanson wrote:What brand of master cylinder is that?
John Hanson
Matco:
http://www.matcomfg.com/MASTERCYLINDERS ... 265-5.html
Hatz Classic plans# 136
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