Clutch bleeding - no pressure

Post by **richard.w** » 01 Sep 2008, 16:01

Whilst replacing the starter motor I caused a leak from the clutch slave cylinder (don't ask). Testing the pedal, it hit the floor without resistance. Couldn't shift the bleed valve so I replaced the slave cylinder and pipe. All fluid lost, stopping just above the reservoir brake level.
Topped up with fluid and started bleeding with a one way valve kit. Fluid hit the cylinder pipe, leaking from the joints which I tightened.
Clutch pedal just keeps hitting the floor, the level in the reservoir is not moving and no bubbles are appearing in the bleed glass.
I notice from the WIKI and Bentley there is mention of pressure bleeding at the master cylinder. Do I need to invest in a kit or am I just missing the obvious/doing something stupid?
Mine's 1981 1600 diesel, water cooled.
Thanks.

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:53

Just jiggle the pedal, don't pump, you should see small bubbles coming out of the pipe to the master cylinder.
If that doesn't work, press the pedal, keep it down, then get someone to open the bleed nipple, then close it again, release pedal.
Keep doing this.
they can be a bit of a pain if you let them run dry, it takes a while to get some fluid in there but once it's in it will bleed up fine.
Chances are that if you leave it an hour it will be okay and you should be able to bleed it normally.
generally I don't press the pedal, just open the bleed nipple and let the fluid flow using gravity.

Post by **ermie571** » 02 Sep 2008, 06:36

had similar problem.....found when pumping you have to release the pedal very slowly.....and I mean slow..........Leaving it a while also helps.

Em
x

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 02 Sep 2008, 07:52

It's exactly as Simon describes .... very gentle if any pumping and just let the bubbles work their way out naturally.

Ian.

Post by **richard.w** » 02 Sep 2008, 18:17

Thank you very much one and all. Henry is back on the road albeit with an MOT looming.
It was the long slow strokes that did it Em, straight under a cold shower afterwards!!
Thanks again, best Club going 80-90.
Richard

Post by **skell** » 04 Sep 2008, 12:52

first time I did mine I got nowhere with the one way valve kit, so enlisted the help of an assistant then did it in five minutes. I assumed the one way valve kit was "pooh" and binned it. later had a gunson pressure bleeding kit, which vaguely worked but led to spilt brake fluid all the time as you have to overfill the reservoir, so now always do a two person job.