the clutch saga continues

[Dan Cordon]

> If you've seen my previous posts regarding clutch bleeding you know I have
> had no luck.

<snip>

I rebuilt my clutch master cylinder recently, and bleed the whole system
afterwards. My method for bleeding is different than many, but I've
found it to work exceptionally well, and it can even be done by one
person if necessary.

Basically, it's just like the two-person method where one pressurizes
the cylinder, while the other cracks the bleeder open. Here's how I do
it.
First, break the bleeder screw open with a boxed end wrench, then close
it gently. Put a small hose over the end of the bleeder (should fit
tight) that's long enough to get to a small bucket/jar.

Put about 1" of water in the bottom of the jar (for those paranoid you
can put brake fluid, but it really doesn't matter) and submerse the free
end of the hose under the fluid line.

Crack the bleeder open. If you have a friend, have them pump the pedal
with long, slow strokes, while you watch the fluid come out and make
sure the end of the hose doesn't come out of the fluid. If you're alone,
pump it yourself. Make sure you keep the brake fluid reservoir filled
with fluid.

The first few pumps will emit many bubbles from the air in the line, but
eventually it will come out as a smooth stream of (likely filthy) brake
fluid.

Once the fluid comes out clear, close the bleeder and remove the hose.

I do this for all my brakes, and even did it with the clutch system on
my 87 5kcstq. It's worked flawlessly. There was just enough room in the
engine bay by the after-run pump for a whipped cream container to rest
nicely for my fluid jar.

Good luck with the clutch saga. Let me know if you need better
descriptions of anything.

--
Dan Cordon
Mechanical Engineer
University of Idaho - Engine Research Facility