IXLR8

On another thread, an RLer gave me the idea to modify my Motive Products Power Bleeder. Here is a write-up with pics.

This mod is especially useful if the power bleeder is used in the "dry method" manner, where it is used solely to pressurize the system. As a result, the adapter cap must be removed periodically to top-up the vehicle's hydraulic reservoir. This mod makes repeated removal and installation of the adapter cap easier as well as eliminating the need to re-pressurize the power bleeder each time the adapter cap is removed.

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The modified Motive Products Power Bleeder with CPC couplings installed.

Both couplers are "valved" so that when they are taken apart, pressure is maintained. That avoids having to pressurize the system each time the adapter cap is removed from the vehicle's hydraulic reservoir during topping up of the reservoir.

The coupler closest to the pump isn't really necessary. It was used to make packing away of the power bleeder into its carton easier.

Parts:
2 x CPC PLCD 17005, 5/16" Hose Barbed Valved In-Line Coupling Body
2 x CPC PLCD 22005, 5/16" Hose Barbed Valved In-Line Coupling Insert
6 feet - 5/16" ID - 7/16" OD clear hose.





The adapter cap with an original 6" length of 5/16" hose and a CPC PLCD 22005 installed.

I chose not to replace this section of hose since it came with a crimped clamp from the manufacturer at the adapter cap.

The hose barb coupling once inserted into the hose did not need a crimped clamp to create a good seal and to retain it.





The five-foot 5/16" ID interconnecting hose with a CPC PLCD 17005 and CPC PLCD 22005 coupler installed.

The hose barb couplings once inserted into the hose did not need a crimped clamp to create a good seal and to retain it.





The power bleeder with a 6" section of 5/16" ID hose and a CPC PLCD 17005 coupler installed. TIP: as with using existing hose and retaining the crimped clamp on the Adapter Cap, it would be a good idea to do the same at the pump. The hose at the pump in my case, needs a crimp clamp to create a good seal.





An overview of the modified Motive Products Power Bleeder.

The use of two couplers enables more compact storage of the unit in its carton when not in use.





Colder Products Company, PLCD 17005, 5/16" Hose Barb Valved In-Line Coupling Body.


Colder Products Company, PLCD 22005, 5/16" Hose Barb Valved In-Line Coupling Insert.

AOW162435

Fantastic.

I've used my 'Black Label' Motive for nearly 6 years, and countless bleeds/flushes. It's a wonderful gadget, and I look forward to this simple but effective mod.


Andreas

IXLR8

Andreas, I got my CPC couplers from Quick Couplings. McMaster Carr has them but they seem to have issues with who they sell to. You can also get them from Colder Products Company, the manufacturer.

I chose to go with the plastic coupler because they are far lighter than a metal/brass coupler.

AOW162435

Funny, I was just sniffing around on the Quick Couplings site.


Andreas

911Dave

That's a great mod, Alex! Thanks for sharing.

AOW162435

Alex,
Just ordered. I'd like to order some crimp clamps as well - once the barb fittings are in the hose, what's a good approximation of the hose diameter?


Andreas

IXLR8

For a 5/16" ID with 7/16" OD hose - Oetiker 12.3 mm Stepless Ear Clamp which is what the unit came with.

Oetiker PN: 1670009

AOW162435

Excellent.


Andreas

IXLR8

Andreas, I picked up those Oetiker clamps and pincer tool that I ordered in, yesterday. They work as expected.

I prefer the clear hose that came with the unit; its far better quality than the clear vinyl hose I picked up at Home Depot.

AOW162435

And I'm waiting on the Knipex crimp pliers, CPC couplers, and Oetiker clamps.




Andreas

Garth S

In a similar vein, I've "been dry" since '05 DIY Pressurized Brake Bleeder

Shop air, couple of LeGris fittings, tubing, and an old reservoir cap ... you do have to take the cap off to top up, but works like a charm - and no waste of brake fluid, nor mess to clean up.

IXLR8

^ Garth, where did you get the precision pressure regulator? What range can it handle and what resolution on the gauge.

With my new compressor, I might have as much as 175 psi...mind you, with an 80 gallon tank, I can just partially pressurize it to work with what is available.

Garth S

Alex,
The regulator is a Morgren ( R07-200-RNKG), a type typically found on instrument air control systems .... nothing really exotic, likely that many similar ones are available. Dug it (used) out of an Instrument Tech's tool box .. do not know the metrology specs, but confident that it can be set to easily flow the brake lines without blowing the reservoir skyward out of its grommets.

Max input is 21Bar/300psi, and knocks down to max 4Bar .... will easily handle shop air line pressure.
When connected to my 140psi line, I just set it to ~0.6 bar , and twist the adjuster **** back to zero when time to top up the reservoir.
When finished, with the line coiled, it's little more than a fistfull - so stores in the tool box nicely.

IXLR8

Maybe a Norgren. I found it on the web. Thanks.

AOW162435

Handled. One pair of Knipex 1099 'Oetiker' pliers, one set of CPC couplings, and a bag of 25 Oetiker 12.3mm crimp clamps.

Took all of five minutes. This is a mod that I'd recommend anyone with a Motive bleeder do (if you employ the dry method). I flush my brake and clutch circuits every winter, which means de-pressurizing and re-pressurizing the bleeder 8 - 10 times.

Alex - thanks for the idea.





Andreas