Shorland brake booster problems.

[917601]

Hello, I was replacing my two front brakes flex lines ( these were dated 1984), went to bleed the brakes, had small success, then I decided to bleed them with the engine running at idle ( big mistake). The engine started running rough, the brake pedal free play disappeared, and I noticed a slight hiss sound. I disconnected the booster hose from the intake, plugged the intake, it idles smooth again. My problem, it appears my 1972, RH drive, 6 cylinder, Shorland booster is not the average booster ( judging by Rovers North parts catalog). It is mounted on the RH side frame, aft of the air cleaner. I see no fluid leaks, but suspect an air leak from somewhere.
1) can I still drive it safely? ...I took it around the block, but at 7,500 lbs it takes a lot of foot power to stop.
2) how can I troubleshoot to make sure the booster is the problem?
3) can I rebuild the booster?
4)how in the h@ll does this booster work? It is not directly connected to the master cylinder, one ( maybe 2) brake lines only, and the vacuum hose.

All help appreciated, I need it for an Airshow by Oct 10.

[yorker]

I thought Shorlands used remote servos like the other 2.6l 109s- I'm not really familiar with them beyond that though.

[917601]

Anyone familiar with the remote brake Servo Ratsport sells? It mentions it has a boost ratio of 1.9:1, and a suitable replacement for many cars, Landrover one of them.item number 9611404.

http://www.ratsport.com/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=9611404

[mearstrae]

My 1970 Rover 3500S has a dual servo brake system (one in the conventional location and one mounted next to the radiator), but it looks nothing like your Shortland. Mine's more like the one 917601 has linked to. I have to admit I've never seen one like in the Shortland pics.

'95 R.R.C. Lwb (Gone...)
'76 Series III Hybrid 109
'70 Rover 3500S

[917601]

I have confirmed my booster is leaking, a large amount of manifold pressure is being drawn through the " tube" . Diaphragm rupture is suspected. I am deciding whether to bite the bullet and order the Ratsport booster or a Shorland booster rebuild kit. I am leaning for a new one, the Shorland booster is a very rare Booster made for the military 6 cyl 109's.

[luckyjoe]

The Clayton DeWandre remote servo was used on 6cyl 109s and some FC's. This could be what you have, but it is hard for me to tell from you photos. I searched, unsuccessfully, for several years to find a complete rebuild kit. Several sources list it, or say they have/can get it, but when you press them it is NLA.

That ratrod servo kit is pricey. On ebay, you can find them all day long for ~US$130, through MGA Services...

[o2batsea]

Can you just plug the vacuum line to the engine and go unboosted? Your foot pressure may increase, a lot, but it should still brake.
Since it is a mil vehicle it should be "field repairable" I would think. Maybe you can get it apart and replace or repair the diaphragm.

[Les Parker]

20140924133833223.pdf

Copy from the Land Rover Parts Catalogue. Does this look like the unit you have fitted?

[Donnie]

I think he has a frame mounted hydrovac.. my '67 109 RHD had one which when i took it apart.. found out that i COULD NOT source the parts to rebuild it...I just connected the brake lines together & capped the vacuum source & never looked back..
Being a 1967 it only has a single cup master cyl & I don't really notice that much xtra pedal effort to stop it??????????? Donnie

[yorker]

Considering the weight of a Shorland I'd want all the boost I could get. There are other boosters that work on the series III booster, John Dorr posted the source once.