John:
You're welcome on the extended upper slave cyl. bolt trick - makes all the
difference, doesn't it!
Here's the procedure I use to bleed the slave cyl. It's easy because you
can now undo it / re-install it very easily. (I'd keep the hose and bleed
screw in their original holes.) This is done without loosening the bleed
screw. It also assumes that there is some fluid in the system already,
enough to be sure that the bottom of the centre section stays covered. (If
the system is dry, open the bleed screw and let gravity at least partially
fill the cyl. - keep adding fluid to the reservoir, close the screw when
fluid appears.)
Start with the centre section of the reservoir no more than half full. Undo
the bolts and let the slave cyl. hang on the hose. Use a screwdriver to
push the piston all the way back in the bore - this forces fluid (and air!)
up into the clutch section of the reservoir. Slowly work the clutch pedal
by hand through it's full stroke - it will take about 4 strokes and the
piston will bottom hard against the snap ring in the cyl. - don't use too
much muscle here, you won't mistake the feel when it bottoms.
Now keep the cyl. oriented so that the hose is uppermost, giving any trapped
air a chance to collect right at the hose opening in the cyl, and push the
piston all the way in again. Do this procedure 3 - 4 times, preferably with
an assistant watching for bubbles in the reservoir centre section. When
there are no more bubbles, bolt the cyl. back to the bellhouse (which is now
really easy!), work the clutch pedal a couple of times to take up the slack
in the linkage, top up the reservoir if needed, and go driving.
Or, we could all get smart and follow Norm Nock's advice and use the tool
that gets onto the bleed screw easily, and bleed the clutch in the normal
fashion.
Try my system first, it's worked well for me for many, many years.
Too bad about your weather!
Earl Kagna
Victoria, B.C.
BT7 tri-carb
BJ8
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Peak" <redbn7@yahoo.com>
To: "Healey List" <healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 5:50 PM
Subject: Slave cylinder bleeding and mounting
Sorry to re-hash the subject, but I am having difficulty searching the
archives successfully.
First, I am installing a new clutch slave in my BN7. I recall mention of
swapping the hose and bleeder location to allow for easier access to the
bleeder. Can this be done?
Second, someone (I think is was Earl Kagna) described a process of bleeding
involving opening the bleeder valve and letting gravity do to work over
time. Can you please re-post the details?
Third, someone said you could use a longer bolt (fully threaded) with a nut
run up to the top to replace the top mounting bolt to actually make it
humanly possible to access it without removing the transmission tunnel. I
would like to express my sincerest thanks. Two hours to get it out, two
minutes to get it back in with your modification!
Many Thanks,
John Peak
'59 BN7
Lake Worth, FL
PS: Sunny and mid 70's the last three days and the Healey is up on blocks.
I'm dying here!!!
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