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Posted by Paul (in NY) on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 at 13:15:38 :
In Reply to: Proportioning valve.... posted by Ron M. in AB on Monday, February 02, 2009 at 18:06:30 :
Let me propose a question, a question to which I have no answers. Since we are discussing braking systems, lets use this as the example for my answer-less question.
Our trucks, as designed by Dodge and shipped, built to engineering standards of the day, were built to reasonable and prudent engineering standards as of the date of build. Driving a stock truck, we may have some protection by Dodge's Engineering and Build.
Now, many of us modify and upgrade these trucks. In this case we change master cylinders, add disk brakes, ponder on the use of boosted brakes and proportion control. We as non engineers, build a new braking system, not approved by anyone. We are involved in a tragic accident, we finally end up in court. The numerous Expert Witnesses' are brought in. The Expert Witnesses' look at the brake system we built on the truck. You feel yourself sinking into the chair. The Expert Witnesses' show thru engineering that disk brakes on a heavy truck like we have, need to have boosted brakes. You sink further in the chair. The Expert Witnesses' point out that Proportion Control was not used. The Expert Witnesses' build a strong case that if the Brake System used a power booster more brake force may have stopped the vehicle before the accident. They point out that if Proportion Control was used, the vehicle may have also stopped before the accident. We have now become a No Win Situation.
Yes, I build and modify my trucks. However, I try in all ways to use stock, industry standard parts. I always try to build using the same methods that Detroit would use. Do I reach that goal, I hope so, but probably fail in some areas. But, it can be pointed out that I built as a Reasonable and Prudent person copying Detroit Standards. I apply Detroit Standards to all my builds.
Maybe I worry in err, but I feel comfortable. As I shared in the beginning, this is a answer-less question, but it concerns me.
Paul
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