Brake Light

[John Pasinski]

I R/R my rear brakes ('81 Silverado 1/2 ton 2 w/d). The rear resevoir was empty. So; I bench bled the M/C, bled the rear brakes, have a good solid pedal, great stopping (finally). But....the brake light stays lit! Is it possible that I need a new proportioning light switch (I'm not sure those can be removed)? Will I need to R/R the whole valve? Or....just apply some black electricians tape over the light!? Thanks for any help.

[Bad Karma]

You have to reset the valve. Unfortunately, I can't remember the procedure off the top of my head. I'm sure someone else will know or maybe try a search...

Try reading through this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...rtioning+valve

[John Pasinski]

Thank-you...........read the complete thread. I suspect the valve is defective. I'm going after that.

[LONGHAIR]

Before you get to crazy about this.....

The first thing to look at is the Emergnecy brake, it is the same light. I have seen a lot of guys fight with brake problems that they didn't even have.

Usually, when the proportioning valve is "popped"....you don't have good brakes. Decent pedal, but not good stopping. The valve entirely "shuts-off" one end of the trucks brakes, so it doesn't stop well, even if the pedal feels good.
As odd as it sounds, the problem is likely to be in the front, since your leak was in the rear. The valve shifts toward the lower pressured side.
This generally causes bleeding problems. The "shut-off" end will not bleed, since there is no pressure.
You gave no indication of bleeding issues.....my bet is E-brake.

[John Pasinski]

Thank- you Longhair. I will check that also. I appreciate all this help.