**I meant clear this up sorry about that ***

Hello,

OK guys, I'm not sure if this is the absolute correct place to post this but it is electrical related...and I am looking for advice ASAP because my mechanic has the car...

1986 Custom Cruiser, 307 of course, it is my daily driver in good mechanical and physical condition. The day I bring it home, my buddy points to the master cylinder and yells, what's that? OK so apparently on 1986 ONLY full size wagons there was on option to get what I believe is called "PowerMaster", the electric brake system?

The brakes worked wonderfully for about a year. Like I said I drive the car everyday. I live in the Midwest and it gets a little chilly here this time of year. So, lately the pedal has been feeling extra "mushy" like there is too much play before anything starts to happen. The pump seems like it is constantly running, I can literally hear it. If I have to make a panic stop, the BRAKE lite comes on for a second or two with the dinger...my mechanic has the car and so far we are thinking it's the accumulator...can anyone give advice on this system, and maybe tell me what parts are interchangeable with a "regular" system besides the actual master, if any?

I have tried to find specific instructions on how to convert the brake system to a "regular vacuum" system with no avail. I would hate to get rid of the car just for this reason. i remember seeing a virtually mint '86 Buick wagon that ran great, etc but only sold for like 800 bucks because the PowerMaster had given out...Ugh I don't know what to do if anyone could offer advice that would be appreciated much.

Thanks

 

I'm not familiar with that system but it was used in a bunch of turbo apps. Here's a detailed troubleshooting guide I believe. Hope this helps.


http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/brakes/PwrMstr.html

 

Amazing. Two Powermaster threads on the forum in one day.

If the PowerMaster system will make you get rid of the car, maybe I should shut up and just take it off your hands...

Seriously, converting to a vacuum booster is easy. Simply get a vacuum booster and master cylinder from a comparable year car (pretty much any 1980-1990 B-body wagon) and remove and replace parts. Tape off the wiring for the Powermaster and secure it someplace where it won't rub through the insulation and short out. Bleed the brakes, hook up vacuum to the manifold, and you're done.

Of course, repairing the Powermaster is probably much easier. Your mechanic is correct. A failed accumulator is the most likely cause of the problem and it can be replaced without changing the whole unit. The Powermaster system was also used on the 1985-87 Buick GNs, so TA Performance sells the accumulators ($180). RockAuto sells the complete Powermaster unit for $472 rebuilt from A-1 Cardone. They also list brand new AC Delco Powermaster units for $1186 (), but only three remaining.

 

Thanks so much guys, the car is not a show car by any means I just need to the brakes to work and be safe, so we are going to go ahead and convert it over, hopefully everything goes well. It was the accumulator, but I am going to save everything he pulls off just in case one day someone needs a pump or something. Thanks again!

 

hi,the powermaster system is a bitch and can be changed over without to much trouble.you did good.as i have a turbo buick,i know about this system.6 months after the car was new,things started happening.first we had a recall on the switch that is on top and to the rear of master cylinder.that's your psi.switch.the GREY one was the bad one,changed to black.so,if you see a grey one..watch out.then we had a recall on the accummulator bowl.i bought a spare one.the place to learn about this system is KIRBANPERFORMANCE in penn.dennis knows these systems in and out.my buick hasn't been driven in 3 yrs..i might get a surprise!! let us know what parts will be good,