Powerbleeder will not hold pressure...my solution
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,537
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa CA
Powerbleeder will not hold pressure...my solution
I just bought a Motive Products Power Bleeder with the GM attachment. It attached to the master cylinder nicely, but would not hold more than 9.5psi without leaking from the connection point to the master cylinder. I tried all kinds of ways to reseat, clean and otherwise attempt to get it to hold to 15psi, but it would always leak.
Has anyone else had this problem? What solution did you come up with?
My solution involved zip ties:
This let me get up to 15psi every time:
Has anyone else had this problem? What solution did you come up with?
My solution involved zip ties:
This let me get up to 15psi every time:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
Careful with the pressure - I have been using my Motive Power Bleeder on our Volvo and Toyotas for 5 years plus. I never pump up more than about 10-11 PSI.
Unless there is something about our Corvette system that requires 15 PSI- IMO I would keep it around 10 PSI.
Separately - the Motive cap is a specific GM fit right? Why not call Motive perhaps theres a gasket they forgot to include- or they can send a second one to double up and better hold the pressure. In a pinch - ur zip tie work around was a good solution.
Good you pointed it out- will remind me to keep a towel wrapped around the connection and master cylinder to prevent brake fluid spray onto painted surfaces
Unless there is something about our Corvette system that requires 15 PSI- IMO I would keep it around 10 PSI.
Separately - the Motive cap is a specific GM fit right? Why not call Motive perhaps theres a gasket they forgot to include- or they can send a second one to double up and better hold the pressure. In a pinch - ur zip tie work around was a good solution.
Good you pointed it out- will remind me to keep a towel wrapped around the connection and master cylinder to prevent brake fluid spray onto painted surfaces
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,078
Likes: 17
That's pathetic for an $80 item. Mine has yet to even fit on my cap. The supplied washer is too fat, and none other was supplied.
I would really just rather have my money back and forget that I ever bought one.
I would really just rather have my money back and forget that I ever bought one.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 3
From: East Hampton CT
We tried several solutions before we successfully drilled a hole in the center of a rubber hockey puck. Throw a barbed fitting on one side and attach that to your powerbleeder (we used an air powered A/C vacuum device from harbor freight for $15). Then just lay the puck on top of the master and it will draw a vacuum perfectly. One size fits all...will work on brakes and clutches.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 908
Likes: 0
From: Ponchatoula la.
I thought mine did not fit. The cap is a very tight fit. If you turn it all the way with some force you will feel it lock in. I also used it on a truck and it was not as tight.
Last edited by mike348; Jan 23, 2008 at 10:01 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,226
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From: Castleton VA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Wow! I've never gone over 5 psi with mine -- all you need is a little pressure to urge the fluid through the lines. I'd be worried about lifting the plastic reservoir off of the metal master cylinder body at 15 psi!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
It's always best to have the right tool, and since I'll be using this regularly it's a no-brainer. Thanks for the info.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Cape Coral FL
You would think that is the case as I did, but I've learned you need at least 15psi, preferably 20psi to purge the ABS and bleed it without a Tech 2.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,217
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From: Stark County Ohio
If you’re going to use that much pressure, I would strongly advise that you wrap at least a couple of zip ties around the reservoir and main body to prevent the plastic reservoir from blowing off.
Safety Car
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From: Cape Coral FL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Slave to the evil empire
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St. Jude Donor '04
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,537
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa CA
We tried several solutions before we successfully drilled a hole in the center of a rubber hockey puck. Throw a barbed fitting on one side and attach that to your powerbleeder (we used an air powered A/C vacuum device from harbor freight for $15). Then just lay the puck on top of the master and it will draw a vacuum perfectly. One size fits all...will work on brakes and clutches.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,537
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa CA
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 3
From: East Hampton CT
Additionally, I have had great luck with a vacuum (same device) on the bleeder valves at each caliper. Vacuum is a lot safer (no chance of explosion) and I've had great luck with it. 20+ psi on the plastic master tank?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
You got me, I though you were referring to the clutch master which needs a vacuum applied to it. As far as the brake master, I can see pressure at the master helping bleeding. Why aren't people using speedbleeders?
Additionally, I have had great luck with a vacuum (same device) on the bleeder valves at each caliper. Vacuum is a lot safer (no chance of explosion) and I've had great luck with it. 20+ psi on the plastic master tank?
Additionally, I have had great luck with a vacuum (same device) on the bleeder valves at each caliper. Vacuum is a lot safer (no chance of explosion) and I've had great luck with it. 20+ psi on the plastic master tank?