Anyone use a Vacuum ? (ooh err!)

[PeteV]

Right, it's MOT time and the Cob brakes could use a good bleed. Just wondering what you people prefer to use for bleedin' brakes (no, 'Wifey' is not a valid answer as she absolutely hates doing this!). Anyone tried a Vacuum bleeder, or recommend a pressure bleeder that's a bit better quality than that Gunsons one, but not the kind of money that Snap-On want.

Pete.

[neil still building it]

hi

the only problems i've had using a gunsons kit was rectified by adding a pressure regulator from a compressor,so as you have a very precise control
over the rate of inflation ...not something you get as standard!!now it works as and when you want it !!you can even let the air out to stop the flow...just think of that -why dont they do this as standard AH!!progress
just make sure you dont let it run out of fluid eh? been there done that ...not clever
all the best
NEIL

[oglyoodoo]

On another car of mine I drilled a hole in a spare Reservoir cap and fitted a tyre valve from an old Inner tube (Remember them??)

Just fill up the reservoir, leave a small air space and put around 2 - 3 PSI from the compressor in the top. If you haven't got a Compressor use a tyre with the pressure reduced to a few PSI. You could use a bicycle pump I suppose but you really need a continuous air supply. Once the reservoir is pressurised you only need to undo the bleed nipples in the order recommended a few times and job done. Just don't put too much pressure into the reservoir and try to get someone to watch and make sure you don't run out of fluid as Neil says. I have used this method many times and it works fine for me....

Denis

[PeteV]

Thanks chaps,
Modded my old Gunson's unit to remove the bottle rather like you describe Denis; this worked very well - but keep a close eye on the fluid level. The only real problem with the Gunson's kit is that the bottle & it's associated tubes tend to all fall apart after it's been exposed to brake fluid for a year or so. Actually have a beake pedal of sorts now! So...time for the next power upgrade methinks!

Cheers,
Pete.

[neil still building it]

hi pete
further to my last tip(!) i realised it might not have been easily understood -i meant to say i had a regulator between the tyre valve (as fitted to the standard gunsons unit and the hose leading to the bottle)this menat you could control the pressure ,set as low as you wish ,not getting the full 20-30 psi at the tyre which usually results in leaks of copious amounts of brake fluid from the gunsons' reservour
...but i see from your last post you've already 'butchered the gunsons kit...to alter it to your tastes...oh well maybe it would go back together ??i now have a kit worth using with my recommended 'alterations'
all the best
NEIL

[john w]

I use a marmalade jar & another persons foot, its worked great for me for years, why make things more complicated, plus you can wash your paint brushes in it after.

[osgood]

Originally Posted by john w

I use a marmalade jar & another persons foot, its worked great for me for years, why make things more complicated, plus you can wash your paint brushes in it after.

Yes must agree with John on this one if the two of you know whats on then no problem. Or if your really brave you back fill the system with fluid by means of an oil can & tube with open kniple re wheel cylinders or pistons pushed back into there housing. Some vehicles of the older generation have to be bled that way to get good results Osgood:angel:

[PeteV]

Thanks chaps,
Neil - yes, understand where you're coming from on this. You don't want too much pressure or else you’re likely to inadvertently build yourself a ‘brake fluid grenade’ with that bottle, with disastrous consequences!

I’ve got one of those wretched Morris Marina master cylinders, and although the Gunsons cap fits, you have to screw the thing on almost with a pair of Mole grips to get it to seal properly! I mainly ditched the bottle from the set-up because this is starting to fall apart, and it’s no problem really to remove the lid from the reservoir and refill after bleeding each corner (and I’m too tight to spend fifteen quid on another one!). Also, if your concentration is as bad as mine, with no bottle to worry about, you won’t find yourself suddenly holding a ‘brake fluid pistol’ when you forget to remove the pressure before unscrewing the lid…

I also have to say that with regards to the old fashioned method, it’s OK as long as you’re not asking your wife/girlfriend for assistance – a good way to ruin a relationship! Also, I’ve come across quite a few set-ups, especially clutches, that simply won’t bleed (not for me at any rate) the ‘traditional’ way.

So nobody’s using the vacuum method after all then?

[Purple AK]

Pete.

I too have the Marina Master which I have to top up with a squirty oil can cos there isn't room to get anything else in the AK. I use the Gunsons kit, but don't put fluid in the bottle, Just keep an eye on the level.......etc With no fluid in the bottle you don't have to remove the excess from the master once done, and the risk of the Grenade effect is minimised