Help -- first time bleeding of clutch/brakes

[drooartz]

Okay, I'm at the point where I want to bleed the clutch at least well enough to see if it is working at all. For reminders, this is an entirely new hydraulic system, down to a rebuilt master cylinder and all new pipes, hoses, and slaves including speed bleeders all around.

I'm trying to start with the clutch. Pumping at the pedal with the speed bleeder open -- fluid level in the m/c doesn't seem to be dropping at all, nothing is coming out of the bleeder.

Help!

 

[HealeyRick]

Boy, that ought to work. Maybe try to remove the speed bleeder entirely and see if you can get some fluid to come out? If not maybe you've got a blocked hose. Another test you might try is opening a brake bleeder and see if you can push some fluid that way as well. And not to be a smartass, but make sure you or your assistant who's pumping the pedal is pushing down on the correct one!

 

[lesingepsycho]

Hmm, I have speedi-bleeders on mine and I love 'em. All I can think though is that if there is only air in the lines, it might not be enough pressure to work the built in check valve of the speed-bleeder. Remember, it has a spring tension set to open up under the pressure of hydraulic brake fluid and if you've ever had a brake line with air in it, you'll know just how much less compressable it is.

With the clutch you should be able to pull the bleeder nipple and get gravity to pull some fluid down there. Then the speed bleeder should work as intended.

As for the brakes, they go up and across the firewall if I'm not mistaken in which case, you'll have to get the lines primed by bleeding them the old fashioned way at first and again, once there is fluid in the lines, bleed with the speedi-bleeders to make sure you've got all the air out.

I've never had brakes so good as AFTER I put the Speed-bleeders in so stick to it. You'll be pleased with the results!

JACK

 

[drooartz]

Jack, that did the trick, thanks!

Replace the speed bleeder with the old standard one, and hooked up a MityVac pump I have. That pulled fluid through. Switched back to the speed bleeder and the clutch is working, at least on a basic level. Woohoo!

 

[lesingepsycho]

Awesome! Glad to be of assistance!

JACK

 

[64rocksprite]

MityVac kicks butt for bleeding brakes. Best $40 I've spent!

 

[drooartz]

I've not had huge luck with my MityVac before this, but it sure proved helpful in drawing fluid through the lines that first time. Made it so I didn't have to draft my wife into helping with the pedal -- and that's always a good thing.

 

[Gundy]

I like to say my power bleeder has saved my marriage.
"Pump 'em", "I am!" ...Arghhhhhh..."I didn't say to pump 'em NOW!" "Hold it". etc...etc used to end up with her saying "Call one of your &$%# friends to help".

 

[Guest]

I always seem to get more air in w/ a vac bleeder. I think I'm drawing it in past the m/c seals. Things work best for me the old fashion way.

I like to say my power bleeder has saved my marriage.
"Pump 'em", "I am!" ...Arghhhhhh..."I didn't say to pump 'em NOW!" "Hold it". etc...etc used to end up with her saying "Call one of your &$%# friends to help".

Ahh, fond memories of dad, "Pump 'em.....hold 'em.....lettum up....al'ight, pump 'em..."

Been a pumper since I was five. Blew some w/cs out on a '69 Buick when I hit the pedal while he had the drums off.