c3 pressure bleeder

[James T.]

I have replaced the rubber brake hoses on my 72 4 speed small block. After reading the extensive archives and having spent some time caliper bleeding, I ordered a Motive pressure bleeder. My question is will the pressure bleeder bleed the MC, or should I do regular bench bleed? Thanks, Jim

[Stephen B.]

Re: c3 pressure bleeder

I've never used a pressure bleeder. Instead, I bleed an additional quart of brake fluid through the system. Never any problems.

[Harmon C.]

Re: c3 pressure bleeder

I have replaced the rubber brake hoses on my 72 4 speed small block. After reading the extensive archives and having spent some time caliper bleeding, I ordered a Motive pressure bleeder. My question is will the pressure bleeder bleed the MC, or should I do regular bench bleed? Thanks, Jim

When installing a new MC you should be bench bleed it. The Motive bleeder works great for me.

[Lee S.]

Re: c3 pressure bleeder

I have a Motive Pressure Bleeder also. Initially, I hated it. I could never get a good seal from the cover to the master cylinder. This resulted in not being able to achieve more than 5 lb psi of brake fluid leaking all over the engine compartment and garage floor.

John Z. suggested throwing away the chains and J hooks. Instead, use a piece of 1/4" alumnium plate or steel plate that covers the entire pressure bleeder cover. Actually, I used a piece of 3/8" plywood. Next, use a BIG C-clamp to cinch down the pressure bleeder cover reinforced by the plate or plywood to the top of the master cylinder.

This allows for a leak-free seal. Put 2-quarts (or less) of brake fluid in the tank. Pump it up to about 15 lbs psi and start bleeding at the Rt rear. What a pleasure to use this tool now.

[Joel A.]

Re: c3 pressure bleeder

Pressure bleeders are great! You still need to bench-bleed the master first, tho. The pressure bleeder won't be able to purge all of the air out of the master itself.

[Lee S.]

Re: c3 pressure bleeder

Thanks Joel. You are correct. I should have mentioned that I did not replace the master cylinder. In my situation, I was replacing calipers.

[John H.]

Re: c3 pressure bleeder

Here's the setup I use instead of the hooks and chains - it's a 6"-long piece of 1-1/2" square aluminum tubing I had left over from another project, and a 6" C-clamp; works like a charm.

[Jeremy D.]

Re: c3 pressure bleeder

I used one of my grandfather's old wood clamps that he used when he built cabinets- I just cut off 4 of the 6 feet of pipe on the clamp, and used a treated wood 2x4 scrap to make the seal. The Motive Bleeder is the 2nd best tool in the toolbox!!!

[James T.]

Re: c3 pressure bleeder

Thanks again to all, especially regarding the chains vs. improvising a better way to seal the rubber diaphragm. I used a 5/4x6-6" mahogany I had in the shop and a 6" c clamp. Way easier, quicker and dryer than using the chain. Bleed all six valves and got a hard pedal in less than 1/2 hour. Also learned that a clean unpainted clothes hanger wire placed inside the plastic tube can be bent to drain the fluid to where you want it to drain-this minimizes the worry about a hose moving where you don't want it to go. Worked for me. The members of this discussion board, and the archives they've accumulated are a real treasure. I learn something of value each time I search. Thanks again for helping me survive bleeding the master cylinder and lines. Jim