Brakes.......and other stuff.......

[Gogso1]

Just arrived back in the house after one of "those" journeys..........

Had the van (1981 Aircooled) serviced a week or so ago, it made a real difference to how it drove - all's well I thought.

But......

After a c20 mile run today, we decided to stop off at the supermarket. Normally the van starts first time all the time, and once started, stays started. This time though, while it started first time, it cut out at again as the revs dropped and sounded a bit 'different'.

Combined with this though, the first time I pushed the brake pedal it was rock solid and there was barely any effect. After the initial narrow miss at the car park exit I managed to coax the van home (the cutting out and non-existent brakes persisting over the 5 or so miles home), but I'm a bit confused as to why 2 seemingly unrelated ailments should arise simultaneously.

Am I missing something obvious? Or just unlucky?

[lhd]

The brakes require vacuum to work properly, this on an air-coold is supplied by the carb or inlet manifold I think.
So could be your problem.
Not really sure about air-cooled though as I have a diesel.
Rob.

[Gogso1]

Just been back down to the van. Started first time and the brakes feel normal.

???

[DevonAid]

Would definately be worth checking the vacuum hose CAREFULLY from carb through to the servo, your previous problems strongly hint at a problem with this. Check connection to carb/inlet manifold too, and for hose damage/deterioration, particularly where it passes through chassis channels etc.

Be sure your brakes are going to work properly next time you really need them, for your sake and others - having suffered sudden brake failure in the summer it's no laughing matter. Good luck with finding the problem.