Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Plus 8 1994: bleeding everything!

Thanks again all.
I will refrain from touching the brakes - they’re working fine in any case (I was just thinking of replacing fluid.)
But the clutch is all mine!

If you are going to do it yourself for either the brakes or the clutch, then two tools would make the job a doddle, either a Gunson Easibleed or a bit more expensive, a Mityvac Silver bleed kit.

Both make hydraulic bleeding a one person job.

I'd agree that once a bleed nipple shears off then that's when the fun starts! Endless times I've had to set up calipers on my milling machine to drill out sheared off nipples and broken off Easy Outs (just about doable with a solid carbide slot drill)

If possible, take nipples completely out and a bit of copper slip on them. Also don't forget the rubber cap for the bleed nipples!

Arwyn

Arwyn, I do hope that you have the appropriate certification for bleeding brakes and operating the kit and machinery you mention, also that it has up to date certification of compliance from the relevant body, and that you wear the appropriate PPE at all times with a risk assessment written out and checked for every task ..... ? ... Seems times have changed indeed in the modern Morgan community...?

Lawson if you are going to have a go with any of this stuff you are best to have good quality ring spanners to fit TIGHTLY on the various nipple sizes, also give the nipples a rub with a wire brush to clean them and the area around them, might be worth giving them a spray with some WD 40 and leaving them overnight in the hope it might help. Those nipples can break off if you breathe on them too hard, if they are really corroded in..

Sure, if you are clueless and have next to no natural mechanical ability you could do damage that ends up costing you more to get professionals to sort out than to take the task on in the first place, so learning from mistakes made can be an expensive process... been there and done that, but that which I learned was more than worth the extra cost. There was no tinternet around when I first had a go and no one to look over my shoulder, I have managed to avoid killing myself or anyone else... so far..... though these are horrendously litigious times with lawyers for you ever looking to make a few bob...

Good luck in your decision making process Lawson.

With experience you just get a feel for things like bleed nipples, and an awareness of what to lubricate. But that comes with having sheared things off in the past and faced big problems!

Lawson
Its good news that you want to do repairs yourself.
I don't know what part of the Country you live, but I would suggest going to your local Morgan/Classic car garage. If they are good you can ask questions. A good garage will help as a good one will have loads of work on. As for brakes a good starting point would be Haynes Manual on brakes.

But the most important thing is to know your limitations. That is in your skill level and having the correct tools. Also ask your mate who is a fellow petrol head for advise, Join your local Centre/Classic Car club. But the most important thing is to TAKE YOUR TIME AND IF YOU ARE STUCK ON SOMETHING - SLEEP ON IT AND RETURN THE FOLLOWING DAY WITH FRESH EYES!

Out of interest, a question to all the experienced bleeders on here.

When you do replace the fluid on a Trad, how much brake fluid do you expect to flush thorough the system.

I only ask because my fluid is always fairly clean so you can't really tell by waiting for the colour of the fluid to change.

I did it a few weeks ago when I changed my seized rear slave cylinder and flushed through just over half a litre which I would have said was more than enough but what are your thoughts.

Brakes very firm afterwards so no air in the system.

I generally put a whole 1litre bottle through, Bob. Once it's opened there's no point keeping it anyway as it'll have gone off by the time I need any more. I follow the usual routine of starting with the furthest nipple and flush each till either it's completely clear or I've ¾ filled a 400cc jam jar. Like you, I find it's usually pretty clear. I use a Sealey pressure bleeder and it only takes a few seconds to push the fluid through.

Thanks Tim.

I use the Sealey pressure bleeder as well, makes it a very simple job.

I agree that there's no point keeping the remaining fluid but I was a bit concerned that if the fluid in the pressure container went too low it might suck in some air and mess up the bleading.

However I probably could have gone a bit more so I'll go to 3/4 litre next time.

If I had thought about it, I could have used the remaining fluid to do the clutch but that will have to wait now until I next do the brakes.

Luddite

Nah, self taught on cars, motorcycles, bin wagons and farm/forestry equipment. Do all my own brake work, even make up braided steel hoses.

Got a few stories about getting rally cars out of stages/selective and back to service or home by clamping off calipers and flattening copper brake tube.

Drove a car home (in the middle of the night) on the gears and handbrake once, that was fun!!

Arwyn

Arwyn.... T`is GREAT to read that there is still some self reliant, have a go guys left in the world of Morganeering. I suspect we could spend quite a few hours together swapping stories of daring do..