Author Topic: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder  (Read 1704 times)

TJMart

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Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« on: July 15, 2019, 20:01:23 »
Can the clutch on my 1970 280SL be bled using a pressure tank bleeder and hooking it up to the fluid reservoir and using the slave bleed screw to force the air out? I have read the posts using the brake bleeder but wouldn't it be easier forcing the air down and out through the slave bleeder? Am I missing something?

Thanks
Tony
1970 280SL, 4 Speed

ja17

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2019, 23:05:15 »
I usually pressure bleed the system from the from the slave cylinder bleeder. It probably can  be done from the reservoir also?
« Last Edit: July 16, 2019, 07:47:39 by ja17 »
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

mbzse

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2019, 00:34:03 »
Quote from: ja17
I usually pressurize bleed the system from the from the slave cylinder bleeder.../...
I use this "from below" method also; never gotten all the air out when doing it from the top (reservoir), so...
« Last Edit: July 16, 2019, 18:47:02 by mbzse »
/Hans S

Tomnistuff

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2019, 13:07:59 »
Mine was completely empty when I started.  I did it also from the bottom up with a pressure bleeder  It was one of the quickest and easiest jobs I have done.  I did it very slowly and at very low pressure.  I hooked the tank up with no pressure and slowly pumped the fluid into the bleeder until it rose through the system into the reservoir to the full mark with almost no bubbles.
Tom Kizer
Apparently late 1966 230SL 4-spd manual (Italian Version)
Owned since 1987 and wrapping up a full rotisserie restoration/modernization.
Was: Papyrus White 717G with Turquoise MBtex 112 and Kinderseat
Is: Dark Blue 332G with Dark Blue Leather (5300, I think)

rogerh113

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2019, 13:57:58 »
Can anyone suggest a good brake bleeder kit.  I have always done it 'manually', but the wife is getting a bit fed up with that.....  Ready to try a pressure bleeder.

regards -- Roger
1966 230SL black 4 speed (250 low compression engine)

TJMart

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2019, 14:18:38 »
Thanks guys! Sounds like from the bottom up is the more acceptable way to go. One question, what happens to the air bubbles that remain in the reservoir? I purchased this bleeder to replace the fluid in my brakes through the reservoir and thought maybe it would work through my clutch reservoir.

https://www.motiveproducts.com/collections/import-power-bleeder-kits
Tony
1970 280SL, 4 Speed

rogerh113

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2019, 15:39:55 »
When the job is finished, is the master cylinder reservoir overfilled?  I am wondering how this would avoid filling the reservoir to the max, and make a big mess when the reservoir element is removed.  Maybe that is not an issue - curious to know.  It looks like it could be a good solution otherwise.

I assume this can be used on the clutch as well?

thanks -- Roger
1966 230SL black 4 speed (250 low compression engine)

Minerva

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #7 on: July 16, 2019, 18:34:53 »
I usually bleed clutch cylinders from front brakes, connecting a tube from front bleed nipple to the clutch slave nipple, couple of pumps on the brake pedal clutch is bled. It's easier to get bubbles to go with gravity....

Awaiting comments about contamination......

Jack Jones

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2019, 02:40:05 »
I use an electric vacuum pump to perform all bleeding exercises and it works perfect every time. One man operation and have been doing this for years.
Jack Jones                                                                                                   
1970 280SL 4 Speed
1984 280SL 5 Speed

Rick Katucki

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Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
« Reply #9 on: July 30, 2019, 23:04:08 »
Using the method described by Minerva - front caliper to clutch slave works! 
Rick Katucki
64 230SL
Manual
Idaho, USA