64 master cylinder bleeding

[Doug L.]

I have bleeded brake lines before but not a master cylinder. Old posts on the discussion board talk about doing this but seem to assume that the technique is understood. I understand the basics but the '64 master cylinder has a single outlet port on the driver's side and a bleed port with bleed screw on the passenger side. I get it that I have to attach a fitting and hose to the output port and pump the piston with a rod of some sort to force air out of the master cylinder, but what about the bleed screw? It must be there for some purpose. Do I bleed that port as well as the outlet port? Could I simply block off the outlet port and bleed the MC by usig the bleed screw to allow the air inside the MC to escape?

Once bleeding is done and the air is removed how does one keep the fluid that will then be in the MC from running out, or air from re-entering the outlet port? Gotta take it from the bench vise back to the car and mount it.

Does it matter what I use to push the piston? I have read that plastic or wood dowell is appropriate. What about a large phillips screwdriver?

Thanks-Doug

[Gene M.]

Re: 64 master cylinder bleeding

You can bleed outlet port as well as the bleeder either one will get the job done. I use a wood dowel to push the piston.