I recently drove to the Bristlecone forest here in Calif and learned a few new things about my daily driver '84 240 Wagon (non-turbo, solid front brake discs, 248k, reliable as a brick, slow as a slug).

I didnt realize that the drive was an uphill to 11,000 feet. I had my AC running all along because it was a hot day and I had a heat-sensitive passenger who was also concerned about riding in such an old car. I assured her that the car, old as it may be, had excellent mechanics, maintenance, very good brakes, and I was the man of her dreams. Car did ok up to the top, with its 3-row radiator keeping the temperatures perfectly under control under the 100 degree afternoon. Upon reaching the summit, main fuel pump was buzzing like crazy and I didnt realize why until after I stopped the engine. With the engine off, the fuel inside the tank was audibly bubbling continuously for several minutes and the tank was Very Hot.

Going downhill was a bit more exciting. The descent in altitude went over just a short distance. By 4,000 feet, I stopped to view the scenery, stopped the engine and then placed the tranny in PARK. I noticed smoke rising up from my wheels but was distracted by the scenery... After about a minute stopped, I started the engine and when I stepped on the brakes before taking off, the brakes were COMPLETELY GONE! Pedal went straight down to the floor!

After about a 30 minute wait, brakes slowly came back and I didnt have to bleed the hydraulics.

Just wanted to share this experience with you out there. Never thought that total brake failure could ever happen to me, the motorhead that I am. Drive safe!

alex
240 dude in Los Angeles