C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Pressurized brake bleeder mods

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 01:40 PM
  #1  
1mollyd's Avatar
1mollyd
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Default Pressurized brake bleeder mods

I just finished building this new master cylinder adapter for my pressurized brake bleeder.

I haven't put it to use in an actual bleed, but I have dry fitted it and it definitely does not leak. The only down side I see so far is that I have to remove the check valve fitting on the vacuum booster to get it to fit, but it just plugs in so that's not too bad.





What do you think?

Dave
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 02:20 PM
  #2  
Droshki's Avatar
Droshki
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Default

I think its clear that you have entirely too much free time

But it is very nice. Got some good skills there. Why not just notch it for the check valve, or better yet, change to a hydro-boost?

Whats with those odd looking nuts? They look open on one side.

Last edited by Droshki; Feb 28, 2009 at 02:23 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 02:22 PM
  #3  
tigers123's Avatar
tigers123
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 3
From: belle plaine ks
Default

Good effort. Were you having that much trouble with the original leaking? And do you have a rubber gasket of some sort for the one you built?
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 02:30 PM
  #4  
MN-Brent's Avatar
MN-Brent
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Default

Looks pretty severe. You have entirely too much time on your hands!!

Next step you could take is to dip the U-bolts into conformal coating, the kind that you use to coat some tools -like a chisel shaft or screwdriver shaft. That will keep the paint on your MC from scratching.

Then, I agree with above, when you done with that, convert over to Hydraboost.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 05:42 PM
  #5  
1mollyd's Avatar
1mollyd
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by Droshki
I think its clear that you have entirely too much free time

But it is very nice. Got some good skills there. Why not just notch it for the check valve, or better yet, change to a hydro-boost?

Whats with those odd looking nuts? They look open on one side.
The check valve was out when I measured for it, so I may have to notch it. I do, however, have a hydroboost unit in the corner of my shop somewhere. All I have to do is get around to installing it.

Those "odd looking nuts" are a type of quick opening nut, so that I don't need to thread them down the entire length of the u-bolt.

Thanks for your compliments.

Dave
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 05:43 PM
  #6  
1mollyd's Avatar
1mollyd
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by tigers123
Good effort. Were you having that much trouble with the original leaking? And do you have a rubber gasket of some sort for the one you built?
Yes, there is a gasket fitted into the unit.

Dave
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 05:45 PM
  #7  
1mollyd's Avatar
1mollyd
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by MN-Brent
Looks pretty severe. You have entirely too much time on your hands!!

Next step you could take is to dip the U-bolts into conformal coating, the kind that you use to coat some tools -like a chisel shaft or screwdriver shaft. That will keep the paint on your MC from scratching.

Then, I agree with above, when you done with that, convert over to Hydraboost.
I like the idea of coating the U-bolts!

That may be the next upgrade. When I have time.

Dave
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 06:21 PM
  #8  
Alan 71's Avatar
Alan 71
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 120 Days
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Default

Too much time.
Too much talent.
Regards,
Alan
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 08:14 PM
  #9  
bytor's Avatar
bytor
Instructor
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Simpsonville SC
Default

Dang, yours looks nicer than mine

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 09:05 PM
  #10  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

Originally Posted by tigers123
Good effort. Were you having that much trouble with the original leaking? And do you have a rubber gasket of some sort for the one you built?
Tigers123, They are notorious for leaking when installed.

I have the Ammco commercial bleeder and even it has problems. The cheesy chains stretch out on you and always at the wrong time. Combine this with the generic rubber seal that is way to thin and wears out way to quick and you can have a mess. The Ammco is so bad at leaking that before we install it we put a piece of plastic down on the column and then a towel every time.

There is nothing better than using a pressure bleeder, but they are a pain everytime they are used.

I’ve been trying to think of a better mouse trap for it that would be more dependable and by gosh I think he’s got it. Nice job!

Willcox
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 11:21 PM
  #11  
Curby's Avatar
Curby
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 12
From: Montgomery Alabama
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Default

Being an engineer, I understand the need to over-design everything, but why don't you just tap an old master cylinder cover? Does it leak when pressurized?
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 11:41 PM
  #12  
chvet73's Avatar
chvet73
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
Default

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...r-adaptor.html

This link shows mine very simple to build. Yours is much better looking than mine is.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 12:08 AM
  #13  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

Originally Posted by Curby
Being an engineer, I understand the need to over-design everything, but why don't you just tap an old master cylinder cover? Does it leak when pressurized?
I do like the idea! CHVET73 had a good idea too but I'm not sure this would be good for over used equipment.

For us this is not an option since we use this on the 63-67 cars (which have six different master cylinders) and we use it for the 58-62 cars.

We need a nice firm thick plate like pictured with a good flat gasket that can adapt to different cylinders.

The cap design would work great for the 67-82 cars, but another plate would also need to be made for the single res. cars. I guess this may explain the chain system supplied with the Ammco bleeder.

Willcox

Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Mar 1, 2009 at 12:11 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 06:54 AM
  #14  
noonie's Avatar
noonie
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by Curby
Being an engineer, I understand the need to over-design everything, but why don't you just tap an old master cylinder cover? Does it leak when pressurized?

Tried that,
The gasket sucks, needs to be thicker, wider.
The one I made even had tubes down into the reservoir to lower the fluid level before disconnecting in an effort to reduce any mess.
Worked great first few times and as long as it wasn’t pressurized for more than 5 minutes. Cleaning that mess wasn’t worth it.

Ended up making 1 similar to above out of ½” alum with only 1 coupler and a slot milled between the 2 cavities. Use a large vicegrip clamp. No leaks and fast and easy.
Still in search of a better gasket material.

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
I do like the idea! CHVET73 had a good idea too but I'm not sure this would be good for over used equipment.

For us this is not an option since we use this on the 63-67 cars (which have six different master cylinders) and we use it for the 58-62 cars.

We need a nice firm thick plate like pictured with a good flat gasket that can adapt to different cylinders.

The cap design would work great for the 67-82 cars, but another plate would also need to be made for the single res. cars. I guess this may explain the chain system supplied with the Ammco bleeder.

Willcox
It's easy to tell that you have done your share of brakes.

When getting to the bleeding part of brakes, it should be the part you really look forward to, since all the PITA work is over, and you want to reward your good work by having perfect brakes and not dread it because it is a whole new PITA.
Stupidly, I got rid of an Ammco bleeder years ago for next to nothing, didn't realize how expensive they were.

Here are some "over the top adapters" and their chains DO work but a little pricey.



These will work on all older domestics.




The Power Probe has my vote for being one of the best tool in decades.



http://www.powerprobe.com/powerprobe/Home.html
Best prices I found when I got mine was eBay.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 10:22 AM
  #15  
AzMotorhead's Avatar
AzMotorhead
Limping across the line
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Default

Still in search of a better gasket material.
Noonie send me your dimensions
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 10:35 AM
  #16  
TopGunn's Avatar
TopGunn
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Default

If you fill the master cyl. with fluid then use the Motion device JUST for pressure you won't have to worry about it leaking fluid because the hoses will just have air in them. That's the way I've done it after mine leaked the first time I put fluid in the container. It's much easier to remove later too, you aren't spilling fluid all over from the hoses. You just have to monitor how much fluid you're pushing thru so you don't run it dry, that's the only drawback. I generally bleed them by gravity for a while so when it comes time to install the Motive device there isn't much left to bleed. But you guys have made some good looking stuff.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 12:04 PM
  #17  
MN-Brent's Avatar
MN-Brent
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Default

Agree with Topgunn, only use the device for pressure and dont use it for fluid.

Just top off the MC after each bleed location and you'll never have to worry about the MC running dry and never have to worry about brake fluid leaking all over your car.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Pressurized brake bleeder mods





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:01 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE