I am sure this is a noob question... How do I determine if I have manual or power brakes? 78 Monte Carlo, came stock with 305. I am sure there is a very easy answer to this question and I will knock myself in the head when I hear it... but at least I will know.

Take a look at the master cylinder in this picture. If you have power brakes it will have a large power booster behind the master cylinder like this one does. If you have manual brakes, which is unlikely, the big black power assist unit won't be there.

yes it has the brake booster... I was quite sure it was a power assisted brake system... but the not so knowledgeable guy at the parts store was trying to tell me it more than likely had a manual brake system. Thanks... I was right... Just want to be sure before buying the master cylinder.

well if you want to really stump this guy go back to the store and tell him you need a heater core for a 1965 vw bug and watch him squirm...lol.

or a water pump for a 1965 Chevy Corvair,or radiator hose,or thermostat

Shane

Or a kneuter valve for a 37 Hudson.

Are you sure you need a master cylinder????

What I have is leakage between the master and the booster... I believe the master is leaking from the seal where the plunger contacts the master... Sound logical to you?

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That is pretty typical of one going bad.

If you are not 100% sure of what you are doing with cars, the brake system is not a good blace to start. Find someone who has experience and have them show you how to do this job.
It is a simple change but can be very frustrating and dangerous if done incorrectly.

Chet

Yup, and the other lesson you learned is don't get mechanical advice from the kid behind the parts counter.........

brakes are by far the easiest repairs to make, but 1 of the most critical systems with the need to function correctly, to maintain safety with the vehicle.. that said, if you have not done this type of work, have someone do the master cylinder for you, but watch them do it, and how they do it.. maby even help them bleed the brakes.. this will give you an idea of what you need to do to make these repairs

I know from my question I seem like I am clueless... I have changed many master cylinders, brake lines, calipers etc... I just recently put the motor, tranny, custom driveshaft, exhaust etc in the car. I simply like to be 100% on all questions before I start things... I was 99.9% sure that I had power assisted brakes and that the master needed to be replaced. Again... I just like to be 100% But thank you for the concern... I definitely understand the importance of doing it right...

Just trying to help...I encounter a lot of do-it-yourself customers who show up after what they replaced did not fix their problem. So I have a habit of asking a lot of questions.

"The first key to wisdom is constant and frequent questioning for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth"

"Peter Abelard"

Damn good quote...