Vacuum brake bleeder set up
From Crankshaft Coalition Wiki
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I have tried pressure power bleeders and they can be quite a mess. Brake fluid hurts very bad when you get it in your eyes and will take paint off. Having it pressurized isn't my idea of a fun time. Having brake fluid under vacuum is much more idiot proof. | I have tried pressure power bleeders and they can be quite a mess. Brake fluid hurts very bad when you get it in your eyes and will take paint off. Having it pressurized isn't my idea of a fun time. Having brake fluid under vacuum is much more idiot proof. | ||
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==Vacuum Pump== | ==Vacuum Pump== | ||
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You can get inexpensive venturi (need an air compressor to operate) vacuum pumps made for AC work from Harbor Freight. The one I have is just like the first link but is red and had a R12 fitting on it. The vacuum fitting is 1/8-NPT on the other side. | You can get inexpensive venturi (need an air compressor to operate) vacuum pumps made for AC work from Harbor Freight. The one I have is just like the first link but is red and had a R12 fitting on it. The vacuum fitting is 1/8-NPT on the other side. | ||
| − | http://www. | + | [http://www.harborfreighconnectors-96677.html Harbor Freight vacuum pump] |
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==Glass Jar== | ==Glass Jar== | ||
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I used an old spaghetti sauce jar, drilled some holes in the lid and put some brass fittings in it. I needed to use washers to get a tight seal. | I used an old spaghetti sauce jar, drilled some holes in the lid and put some brass fittings in it. I needed to use washers to get a tight seal. | ||
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==Fittings== | ==Fittings== | ||
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I used 3 male 1/4-NPT x 1/8 barb fittings, 1 female 1/4-NPT x 1/8 barb fitting, 1 female 1/4-NPT x 1/8-NPT coupler, and 1 female 1/4-NPT 90° fitting. I also put a ball valve on the pressure input side. The valve is needed to control the vacuum. | I used 3 male 1/4-NPT x 1/8 barb fittings, 1 female 1/4-NPT x 1/8 barb fitting, 1 female 1/4-NPT x 1/8-NPT coupler, and 1 female 1/4-NPT 90° fitting. I also put a ball valve on the pressure input side. The valve is needed to control the vacuum. | ||
==Note== | ==Note== | ||
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This might not be 'recommended' by the auto manufacturers, but I have successfully used engine vacuum instead of a pump. No compressor or pump is required, just the jar and some hoses. | This might not be 'recommended' by the auto manufacturers, but I have successfully used engine vacuum instead of a pump. No compressor or pump is required, just the jar and some hoses. | ||
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If you do get brake fluid past the jar and into the engine, a little bit won't hurt, just STAY AWAY from the exhaust pipe! Burning brake fluid STINKS!!! | If you do get brake fluid past the jar and into the engine, a little bit won't hurt, just STAY AWAY from the exhaust pipe! Burning brake fluid STINKS!!! | ||
| − | Not recommended for Diesels, because they have a vacuum pump, normally with a rubber diaphragm. Brake fluid | + | Not recommended for Diesels, because they have a vacuum pump, normally with a rubber diaphragm. Brake fluid could damage it. |
==Use== | ==Use== | ||
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Hook up a hose from the brake bleeder to the fitting on the jar with the short piece of hose inside the jar. Hook the other fitting on the jar to the vacuum pump. Hook up the vacuum pump to your compressor. I used a ball valve on the compressor side to throttle down the amount of vacuum. | Hook up a hose from the brake bleeder to the fitting on the jar with the short piece of hose inside the jar. Hook the other fitting on the jar to the vacuum pump. Hook up the vacuum pump to your compressor. I used a ball valve on the compressor side to throttle down the amount of vacuum. | ||
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==Alternatively== | ==Alternatively== | ||
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Leave the engine bay alone, go to an auto parts store and buy a hand-operated pump *with* all these fittings or online from Amazon.com: $30 made of plastic resin, $35 for the brass version. | Leave the engine bay alone, go to an auto parts store and buy a hand-operated pump *with* all these fittings or online from Amazon.com: $30 made of plastic resin, $35 for the brass version. | ||
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| + | [[Pressure Brake Bleed | ||
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