Right Stuff 4 wheel power disc upgrade...brake pedal will not return

[JKcuda]

Ok everyone...this problem exists from last year however the car has been in storage all winter and I haven't been able to work on it.  I converted my 72 4 wheel manual drum cuda to 4 wheel power disc using the right stuff kit.  Everything is brand new except the original distribution block.  It was pretty cruddy, I cleaned it as best I could and reinstalled it.

My problem is, the brake pedal will not return to the proper position.  I literally have to take my foot and pull the pedal back up to its proper resting height to get the brake light switch to engage and turn the lights off.  The brakes release...the pedal just doesn't return.  No issues stopping either.  Could the distribution block be causing this?  Could the new master possibly be bad?  Looking for some ideas before I start ripping things back apart, brake fluid sucks to deal with around paint...

[bc3j]

Could the pushrod from the booster to the master be too long?

[brads70]

Could the pushrod from the booster to the master be too long?

I was thinking too short? 

[bc3j]

Your right...short

[JKcuda]

I don't believe so... wouldn't that affect brake performance as well?  Unfortunately I can't run out and check anything, car is still in storage and it's a little bit of a drive from my house. That rod isn't adjustable correct?  It's the booster from their kit so I can't believe it would be the wrong one?

[JKcuda]

So rather than start a new post I figured I'd just revive this one.  I didn't have much time with a newborn to work on the car last year so it's been sitting in the garage.  With the weather apparently starting to turn a little here in PA I figured I'd start to get prepared for the spring and see if I could get any fresh ideas here.

To revisit....the brakes work great.  Car stops on a dime, pads/calipers release and wheels roll as normal.  The problem is the pedal is not fully returning to it's proper resting position and I have to pop it up with my foot to get the brake lights to shut off.  Another symptom we've noticed as that once you pop the pedal up while sitting at idle, the engine jumps up about 100rpm to it's proper idle speed.  Anyone else experience this?  I unfortunately haven't had a chance to test the pushrod theory that was previously mentioned but I'd like to have a few ideas to check before I drive an hour to where the car is garaged to work on it.

I'd love to get out to some local meets this year but need to remedy this issue and get a new exhaust installed first!

[burdar]

What does "The Right Stuff" say?  I assume you contacted them?  You say you converted to "power" brakes.  The large spring inside the booster should push the pedal back up to the proper position.  I've heard of booster problems causing issues like this.  Especially since you say the engine jumps in RPM.  If the pushrod isn't adjusted too short, I think it's a booster problem.

When you shut the engine off and the vacuum goes away from the booster, does the pedal then return to the normal resting position? 

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

 

I had mine do similar after a winter storage, and found that the brake pedal pivot and linkage had started setting up... sprayed with WD-40 and worked it a couple times, and has been fine since then...

[JKcuda]

What does "The Right Stuff" say?  I assume you contacted them?  You say you converted to "power" brakes.  The large spring inside the booster should push the pedal back up to the proper position.  I've heard of booster problems causing issues like this.  Especially since you say the engine jumps in RPM.  If the pushrod isn't adjusted too short, I think it's a booster problem.

When you shut the engine off and the vacuum goes away from the booster, does the pedal then return to the normal resting position?

Honestly, I tried contacting them once or twice via phone and was unable to talk to anyone other than a receptionist.  I'll check the pushrod on the booster... 

I never even thought to shut the engine off before popping the pedal up with my foot to see if it returns...I'll be sure to check that as well.  Appreciate the ideas!

[JKcuda]

I had mine do similar after a winter storage, and found that the brake pedal pivot and linkage had started setting up... sprayed with WD-40 and worked it a couple times, and has been fine since then...

Nah this has been from the moment I installed it.  Everything is lubed well and moves easily.  Based on the responses I've gotten here and from others I know it seems like a booster/master problem...either adjustment or bad part.  I'll double check this though!