Filling a brakes system

R

russcc

Well-known member
Completed the '40 brake system, New wheel cylinders, master cylinder & hoses, along with flushing out and cleaning all the hard lines. What is the best way to refill the system to minimize bleeding. I am not about to invest in a "power bleeder" or whatever since I have been dong it the hard way for 60 years and it works fine for me. Thank you Fordbarners.
 
Russ, If you've been doing it the "hard way" for 60 years and it "works fine", there is most likely no advice anyone can give you that you've not already figured out on your own.

I've been power bleeding for perhaps 30+ years and recently (finally) had to replace my system. Cost with shipping was under $100 for one heck of a quality unit.
 
Joe Immler said:
Kube What brand, model etc is it?
Click to expand...

Joe,
It's an ATD-5125. I'd received it April 26, 2020. It was just shy of $100 shipped.
I think (if I recall correctly) I bought it from the Tool Warehouse.
I do recall when searching the Web, this model was priced all over the place. The Warehouse was very good to work with and they shipped fast.
I am VERY happy with the quality of this unit and have little doubt it'll outlive me.
 
Kube said:
Joe,
It's an ATD-5125. I'd received it April 26, 2020. It was just shy of $100 shipped.
I think (if I recall correctly) I bought it from the Tool Warehouse.
I do recall when searching the Web, this model was priced all over the place. The Warehouse was very good to work with and they shipped fast.
I am VERY happy with the quality of this unit and have little doubt it'll outlive me.
Click to expand...

What do you use to attach bleeder to MC?

I use a vacuum bleeder myself.
 
mrtexas said:
What do you use to attach bleeder to MC?

I use a vacuum bleeder myself.
Click to expand...

I made a cap with a fitting in it. I suppose it would be easier yet to just take an extra master cylinder cap and drill and tap a hole for the air fitting.

I've always liked the power bleeding system as there is zero doubt all of the air is removed - even from the master.
 
We got a little of track here. I have never had to fill a complete system, and likely never will again. It is usually one or two cylinders to bleed. So my question is, how would you start by using gravity to assist. Thank you Fordbarners.
 
There must be more opinions out there other than Mike's, as much as we all value his experience. When we are referring to gravity, it is in partially filling the system so as to minimize air entrapment. Thank you Fordbarners. Any other opinions ?
 
I do not think gravity would move the fluid. I used to fill the MC have helper pump the pedal and open farthest bleeder then go to closer one ,etc. You have to always keep fluid in MC.
Now many use speed bleeders to eliminate the helper.

http://speedbleeder.com/



Now Like Kube, I use one of these pressure tanks. Made my own cap with a fitting. I hook a clear hose onto each bleeder and simply walk around opening each bleeder untill no bubbles.

The nice thing about a pressure bleeder is any leaks become immediately apparent.

https://www.amazon.com/motive-power-bleeder/s?k=motive+power+bleeder&tag=atomicindus08-20

John
 
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It’s hard to gravity bleed these old systems because the master cyl. is mounted so low any car that has the master on the firewall gravity bleed pretty easy like Kube said power bleeders work the best. good luck
 
The power bleeder (Bendix) I used in the past had a diaphragm between the fluid and the pressurized air; I was taught this was to keep from entraining air into the fluid.

These new bleeders don't separate the two, has something changed?
 
I always put in the fluid I think I will use and then empty and clean bleeder tank. only exposed to air for a few minutes.
I used to use the diaphragm unit in a shop and you could leave the fluid in it.


John
 
When using the power bleeder method, is it recommended to also use speed bleeders or are standard bleeder screws sufficient/recommended?

JB
 
The "power" bleeder pressurizes the brake system and then you open the bleeder valve on the wheel cyl to bleed it. I don't think you wouldn't gain anything by using the speed bleeders.
 
My Mityvac works great. No need to make special MC cover.
 

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I made a vacuum pump out of an old freezer compressor. Use it with a brake bleeder cup. Works great.
 
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