User Tag List

+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Electric line-lock solenoid for brakes

  1. #1
    Mechanic beeRS's Avatar

    My 1st Project
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Chelmsford
    Age
    52
    Posts
    773
    Thanks
    114
    Thanked 76 Times in 66 Posts

    Electric line-lock solenoid for brakes

    Hello all,

    I see a lot of builds on here with lever type brake line-locks fitted, but has any tried using an electric solenoid type? I was thinking of this one...

    www.mattlewisracing.co.uk/product.php/2496/1228

    It'd be interesting to hear peoples thoughts on this.

  2. #2
    Mechanic runoutofrigos's Avatar

    My 1st Project
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    North London
    Posts
    651
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 30 Times in 27 Posts

    Re: Electric line-lock solenoid for brakes

    We used a very similar device on a drag car years ago, worked perfectly. It was wired to a button on the steering wheel, so once in the blocks and the brakes applied, the button was pushed, and a burnout followed every time

    They seem to be a lot cheaper now than they were in the 80s though, thanks (probably) to the Chinese.

    Simon

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to runoutofrigos For This Useful Post:


  4. #3
    Mechanic beeRS's Avatar

    My 1st Project
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Chelmsford
    Age
    52
    Posts
    773
    Thanks
    114
    Thanked 76 Times in 66 Posts

    Re: Electric line-lock solenoid for brakes

    Quote Originally Posted by runoutofrigos View Post
    We used a very similar device on a drag car years ago, worked perfectly. It was wired to a button on the steering wheel, so once in the blocks and the brakes applied, the button was pushed, and a burnout followed every time

    They seem to be a lot cheaper now than they were in the 80s though, thanks (probably) to the Chinese.

    Simon
    I was thinking of fitting this way, but maybe a switch on the gear lever, or close by.

    Another question; if the solenoid were ever to fail on one of these, would you be left with brakes that are jammed on, or brakes that stop working?

  5. #4
    Mechanic runoutofrigos's Avatar

    My 1st Project
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    North London
    Posts
    651
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 30 Times in 27 Posts

    Re: Electric line-lock solenoid for brakes

    Well, I don't know about the particular device you have chosen, but ours was definitely "fail-safe". It works as a through joint until the solenoid is powered, which then blocks the line. This is why the brakes need to be applied before powering the solenoid, as it holds the pressure to the calipers. As soon as the power is killed, the pressure is released, just like taking your foot off the pedal.

    Simon

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to runoutofrigos For This Useful Post:


  7. #5
    Pit Crew Decade Plus User

    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Norn Iron
    Posts
    1,141
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked 87 Times in 86 Posts

    Re: Electric line-lock solenoid for brakes

    Quote Originally Posted by runoutofrigos View Post
    Well, I don't know about the particular device you have chosen, but ours was definitely "fail-safe". It works as a through joint until the solenoid is powered, which then blocks the line. This is why the brakes need to be applied before powering the solenoid, as it holds the pressure to the calipers. As soon as the power is killed, the pressure is released, just like taking your foot off the pedal.

    Simon
    Yep, very common and safe. Used it on mine for years.

    There are a few different styles of solenoid that look a little nicer if that matters to you.

    Only one negative with some, is they do not directly take typical brake pipe fittings, and there can be adapters to screw in first. Americans must use odd pipe threads for a lot of stuff, but adapters are usually supplied where necessary

    Mine is the TCI brand

    https://www.summitracing.com/search/...kr=line%20lock


    Many years ago I actually had a little key operated unit with a one way valve in it. Plumbed into front brakes for a security device. With the key "on", when the brakes were applied...they would not release. A neat theft prevention device, but it never really took off.
    Turn the key "off" and brakes released and back to normal
    Last edited by stevieturbo; 27-12-2021 at 21:35.
    9.85 @ 145mph 202mph standing mile

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss_c7fML3rw

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to stevieturbo For This Useful Post:


+ Reply to Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts