Vacuum brake bleeders.....

[StagHunter]

I haven't used a vacuum bleeder but I have used a pressure bleeder from the Gunson company called the EZ-Bleed. They could have called it the EZ-Leak. The idea is that you have a bottle filled with brake fluid. The bottle is pressurized via a tire and it feeds brake fluid under pressure to your brake reservoir. It is critical that you get a good seal on the reservoir cap as any leak will send brake fluid everywhere. Have this happen once and you'll never want to use the thing again.

I have used it successfully by leaving the bottle empty and keeping the source pressure low by bleeding the tire down to 10 PSI. You can then go and bleed your system without having a helper and going through the "press, release" game. You just need to remember to get up frequently to check the reservoir level, or post an observer to keep an eye on it and warn you when you're running low.

Google "Gunson Eezibleed" and you will find it. Costs about $30. I think I got mine as "free stuff" during the winter parts sale TRF used to hold every February.

I wonder about vacuum bleeder systems as it can pull air through the bleeder threads and show bubbles when your lines are clear. I have a vacuum oil changer that I could use as a bleeder, though. Maybe one day I'll try it.

[dmg007]

Guys, I purchased a Mighty vac more than five years ago. I upgraded from the plastic one to a cast aluminum one a year ago or so. I have used it to check for vacuum leaks, and bleed both brakes and clutch hydraulics time and time again, the most recent on my newly acquired e-type. Works perfectly, like charm. Oddly enough, I too made a bigger reservoir to make it even easier. It is a great, one person, no pumping pedal way to bleed the system.