Power Bleeder Cleaning and Storage
02-13-2008, 10:20 AM
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Power Bleeder Cleaning and Storage
I've had quite a bit of practice now with my power bleeder and how it works. Curious how others clean and store the thing. I've turned the bottle upside and let it sit for a day or so to drain out the last of the brake fluid, but I haven't reached down inside to wipe it out, or used 'denatured alcohol' or whatever the instructions say to clean it with.
Also, not sure how to get all the fluid out of the clear hose to the cap adapter. No matter how I orient it, there always seems to be some left in there.
I know any fluid that remains, even trace amounts, is gobbling up moisture from the atmosphere when I store the unit. How big of a risk is it to drain as best as possible and let the residual fluid stay in the bottle and hose until the next time I use it?
Also, not sure how to get all the fluid out of the clear hose to the cap adapter. No matter how I orient it, there always seems to be some left in there.
I know any fluid that remains, even trace amounts, is gobbling up moisture from the atmosphere when I store the unit. How big of a risk is it to drain as best as possible and let the residual fluid stay in the bottle and hose until the next time I use it?
02-13-2008, 01:10 PM
#3
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I wash mine out with water after use, and store it with the cap loose after I let it dry in the sun. At next use I put some brake fluid in there, swish it around to gather up any possible moisture clinging to the inside surfaces, and pump that bit through to waste. Then fill with new fluid and use it.
Generally, use of my bleeder typically involves flusing and bleeding several cars at a time. I post a notice to locals that we are having a brake fluid clinic, and they show up with fluid and donuts. It makes the cleaning effort a little more worthwhile.
Also-also-- My bleeder is a home-made one based on a gallon-sized garden sprayer and a used reservoir cap. I made it before the Motiv product became popular. It has a neoprene diaphragm/check valve at the end of the pump, which should be safe in brake fluid. But I take no chances.
Fabio-- Heads-up on leaving the thing full. Not the best idea. One reason you change youir fluid is to get new dry fluid from a sealed can into your system, to replace the stuff that's been in there and exposed to airborn moisture. Brake fluid is relativly cheap, and you change it every year or two, or maybe every six months if you are racing the car. Dump your old/excess at the end of your session, and replace it with new dry clean fluid from a sealed bottle when the next need arises. Just my too sense...
Generally, use of my bleeder typically involves flusing and bleeding several cars at a time. I post a notice to locals that we are having a brake fluid clinic, and they show up with fluid and donuts. It makes the cleaning effort a little more worthwhile.
Also-also-- My bleeder is a home-made one based on a gallon-sized garden sprayer and a used reservoir cap. I made it before the Motiv product became popular. It has a neoprene diaphragm/check valve at the end of the pump, which should be safe in brake fluid. But I take no chances.
Fabio-- Heads-up on leaving the thing full. Not the best idea. One reason you change youir fluid is to get new dry fluid from a sealed can into your system, to replace the stuff that's been in there and exposed to airborn moisture. Brake fluid is relativly cheap, and you change it every year or two, or maybe every six months if you are racing the car. Dump your old/excess at the end of your session, and replace it with new dry clean fluid from a sealed bottle when the next need arises. Just my too sense...
