Vacuum brake bleeder.

[Gross Scruggs <GScruggs@wposmtp.nps.navy.mil>]

Phil Payne's inquiry regarding using a hand-pump vacuum instead of a pressure
bleeder brought to mind the only complaint I've heard against this technique. 
In theory it should work quite well but there is a tendancy for a vacuum at the
bleed screw to draw atmospheric air past the threads of the bleed screw thus
causing bubbles to be drawn into the waste jar.  This then give a 'false' visual
indication that there is still air in the system and also reduces the vacuum
that could be applied to bleeding the system.  

I've made a quart/liter glass jar into a waste container by soldering a brass
linput line through a hole in the lid and extending it to near the bottom so it
will be covered with fluid.  Another brass line is soldered into the lid
extending only slightly into the jar, and this is the line onto which the vacuum
is attached.  One could go fancy and put a ball-check valve in the fluid line to
prevent drain back.  The valve from a windscreen washer system should work.  

I usually RTV the jar to a larger scrap wood base to keep from knocking it
over.... don't ask why I know this is a good idea.  

If your bleed screw threads are tight, application of grease perhaps, then the
vacuum system should work.

Regards,  Gross Scruggs