The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Bleeding brakes, but no pressure

Cracking the lines at the M/C and letting gravity flow the fluid might do the trick but then, it might not. When you let up the pedal you've got the potential to suck air back into the M/C.

Normally when you bench bleed a M/C you add 2 little plastic fittings with 3/16" hose barbs in place of the normal line fittings. A clear neoprene line runs back into the fluid reservoir and is submerged. This way, when you pump it and release the piston, it won't suck air back in.

You may need to get an assistant to pump a couple times with the fittings tight, hold the pressure, crack the fitting and let the air escape, hold the pedal down until you retighten the fitting. Not going to guarantee this will work....I've had it go both ways. If the lines have been charged or you've been able to gravity bleed the system you've got a 50-50 shot. If not you'll probably need to hustle up a couple extra fittings and make your own return tubes. If it's a stock single outlet you'd only need one. The key is to keep the M/C from drawing air back when the pedal is released. Hope this helps.

Dave