Date:         Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:34:07 -0700
Reply-To:     neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: home-made pressure bleeder
Comments: To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <96c89c360903101918o6c450be3hb1fb699da8f6156e@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 7:18 PM, Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com> wrote:
> Is there any reason why it should take any real pressure for a
> Vanagon?  I remember someone advocating gravity bleeding/flushing
> (just opening the bleeder and waiting patiently).
>  I admit that it didn't seem to work when I tried it.  Does the
> front/rear equalizer restrict the flow?
>
> Larry A.




I too have tried the gravity bleed method. Fluid did drain out. Just
slowly. I was desperate (a newb) as it felt like there was still air
in the system. I would think that pressure bleeding is the best/most
convenient  way. Now that I have a spare reservoir cap, I can make my
own pressure bleeder.

AFAIK, the brake pressure regulator doesn't "kick in" until vehicle is
at a certain angle. P 47.9 Bentley specifies removing the nuts holding
regulator down, and tilting to 30* when testing it. I would think that
in theory, it shouldn't restrict bleeding.

And in passing, I've always found it interesting that there is mention
of a "lever" on pressure regulator. P 47.8 says it should be pushed in
direction or rear axle. I have seen similar mention of this in Haynes
too. (air cooled version). I don't see one on my '81 or on the one I
removed from my '85. P 47.8 also says to "disconnect vacuum hose/check
valve from brake booster prior to bleeding". Hmmm..... Never knew that
was needed.


Neil.


-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines