Bleeding an empty system

[selminer]

I am coming to the end of my complete rebuild and all the brake pipes, reservoirs and brake parts are empty of any fluid. Can the members please tell me the correct way to introduce the brake fluid and bleed the entire system.
My car is a 1967 2+2 series1.5.
Thank you 'Selminer

[greensimonc]

Hi,

The only experience I've had of starting from empty was when I built my kit car, back in 1999, however, I recall that after failing with frantic pumping of the brake pedal by a willing volunteer (Mrs) I bought an Ezibleed kit, which connects to the top of the reservoir, and is pressurised by another connection to an inflated spare tyre. Of course you have to go round every wheel one by one and open each bleed nipple to expel air, but it sure saved a lot of effort!

Best of luck, Simon.

[selminer]

Thank you Simon.

I was hoping that somebody would reply that has done the job before. Did you have any problem with the master and servo cylinders as I have read that they could need bleeding separately.
If so please tell how you did that.
Many thanks for replying.

Peter

[greensimonc]

Hi Peter,

Well, I'm afraid my kit car is a much more basic system, no servo, though of course a considerably lighter vehicle so the pedal just requires a firm push. I had no problem with the master cylinder, but I'm afraid can't advise further, other than a google of Eezibleed may elicit some helpful info.

Cheers, Simon.

[piman]

Hello Peter,

it's a long time since I did a complete refill of a system without some form of aid such as an Easy Bleed, but what I found useful to save time is (starting at the nipple furthest from the master cylinder) slacken the bleed nipple and have the assistant press the pedal to the floor and hold it there, put my finger over the end of the bleed nipple, tell the assistant to release the pedal, once relleased, uncover the bleed nipple and another stroke and hold. I found this quite effective in getting fluid through the system. Close the nipple and repeat on the other nipples in sequence, next furthest etc.
I've read, usually on American car websites about bleeding master cylinders but I never bother, I have not found it necessary. I will add I've never done an E Type but many other cars including my Mk 2.

Alec

[selminer]

Hi Alec

That is a method worth trying when you back it up with previous success.
Again thank you for your posting.

Peter

[Art1012]

Dear Peter,
I also have a series 1 2+2.(1967) On this car there are 2 separate fluid reservoirs, one for the front brakes and one for the rear brakes.
You need to fill the rear section of the braking circuit first. It is a slow process, but the best way to do this is raise the front end of the car so the reservoir on the left side of the engine bay which feeds the servo is higher than the rear brake cylinders.
( it is well worth fitting remote bleed nipples to the rear brakes if you haven't done so already)

Partially open the rear bleed nipples, fill the reservoir with brake fluid and just allow gravity do do its job. It will take a few hours, perhaps longer, but the brake fluid will gradually make its own way past the slave cylinder in the servo and through to the back brakes. This worked fine for me.
No fancy expensive bleeding gadgets, just gravity
Once the rear circuit is filled, then you can fill and bleed the front by the usual method of pumping the brake pedal.
After this, go back to the rear brakes and bleed each side in the normal way with the brake pedal to finish off.

[oldtimer]

Further to what Art says above, I've taken to using an Ezzy Bleed Kit from Halfords in recent years and found it to be a great asset !!

[selminer]

Thank you to all contributors. I engaged the help of a friend who had experience of doing the job and we bled the system in a couple of hours. I am really glad I had your knowledge to give me confidence to do a good job as I had heard of many possible problems.

Many thanks Peter