scrubs
05-30-2023, 10:06 PM
This post is for anyone that has a McLeod hydraulic TOB and issues with bleeding. I have a carbureted 347 from BPE.
If you are reading this some time after this post date, I had my first Go-Kart today…but I thought it would be yesterday…
The bottom line is that if you read the instructions and watch the YouTube video, you’d be fine, but I know some come here first (like me).
I thought I was ready for Go-Kart and opted to engage 1st gear while on the lift to look for funny sounds etc from the drive train first. When I asked my son to engage gear 1 and crank, the rear wheels turned, wtf.
Like other times with previous issues, my FFR buddies (this time Alec from GA) encouraged me to get it figured out.
I searched the forums, web, Mcleod website/YouTube and decided to start from scratch. The YouTube comments had someone bleed “for hours,” but we didn't have that issue. This worked for us, not sure it will work for all.
1) Bench bleeding of MC: connected line to outlet of MC and placed other end in the reservoir (submerged). Pumped the pedal until no bubbles. I confirmed fluid thru the line on several pumps.
2) connected line from MC to “in” on the clutch
3) cut 1L club soda bottle in half (leftover from Memorial Day weekend) - similar to YouTube - and filled ¾ with brake fluid
4) opened bleeder valve until almost last thread and submerged in the club soda bottle - make sure bleeder valve and hose end-bleeder valve junction is submerged, it will suck in air otherwise at that junction
5) Did a series of at least 15 alternating fast/slow pumps of the clutch pedal. Each time held depressed for 5 seconds, returned slowly, and waited 5 seconds for the next pump.
**I thought I was done here when I noted no bubbles after 4 consecutive pumps…but then I asked my son to pump at moderate speed continuously. After about another 4 pumps, one more large bubble and the club soda bottle began to fill and overflow with each subsequent pump.
6) clutch pedal slowly returned to resting position
7) reached into the club soda bottle as per the YouTube video - trying to keep the entire bleeder/hose end submerged ends up making a mess with fluid running down my arms and onto the floor, but finger tightened the valve. Yes, the bleeder line is too short.
8) wrenched the valve closed tight as hell
9) repeat the on-lift test…no wheel spin and a much stiffer clutch pedal.
Note: in order to not worry about the status of the reservoir, used this device to keep it full on demand:
https://www.amazon.com/Abilly-Bleeder-Extractor-Refilling-Pneumatic/dp/B08SJC4R91/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=bleeder+kit&qid=1685502327&sr=8-6
Not sure if this is clear or helps. Reach out if you need clarification.
J
If you are reading this some time after this post date, I had my first Go-Kart today…but I thought it would be yesterday…
The bottom line is that if you read the instructions and watch the YouTube video, you’d be fine, but I know some come here first (like me).
I thought I was ready for Go-Kart and opted to engage 1st gear while on the lift to look for funny sounds etc from the drive train first. When I asked my son to engage gear 1 and crank, the rear wheels turned, wtf.
Like other times with previous issues, my FFR buddies (this time Alec from GA) encouraged me to get it figured out.
I searched the forums, web, Mcleod website/YouTube and decided to start from scratch. The YouTube comments had someone bleed “for hours,” but we didn't have that issue. This worked for us, not sure it will work for all.
1) Bench bleeding of MC: connected line to outlet of MC and placed other end in the reservoir (submerged). Pumped the pedal until no bubbles. I confirmed fluid thru the line on several pumps.
2) connected line from MC to “in” on the clutch
3) cut 1L club soda bottle in half (leftover from Memorial Day weekend) - similar to YouTube - and filled ¾ with brake fluid
4) opened bleeder valve until almost last thread and submerged in the club soda bottle - make sure bleeder valve and hose end-bleeder valve junction is submerged, it will suck in air otherwise at that junction
5) Did a series of at least 15 alternating fast/slow pumps of the clutch pedal. Each time held depressed for 5 seconds, returned slowly, and waited 5 seconds for the next pump.
**I thought I was done here when I noted no bubbles after 4 consecutive pumps…but then I asked my son to pump at moderate speed continuously. After about another 4 pumps, one more large bubble and the club soda bottle began to fill and overflow with each subsequent pump.
6) clutch pedal slowly returned to resting position
7) reached into the club soda bottle as per the YouTube video - trying to keep the entire bleeder/hose end submerged ends up making a mess with fluid running down my arms and onto the floor, but finger tightened the valve. Yes, the bleeder line is too short.
8) wrenched the valve closed tight as hell
9) repeat the on-lift test…no wheel spin and a much stiffer clutch pedal.
Note: in order to not worry about the status of the reservoir, used this device to keep it full on demand:
https://www.amazon.com/Abilly-Bleeder-Extractor-Refilling-Pneumatic/dp/B08SJC4R91/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=bleeder+kit&qid=1685502327&sr=8-6
Not sure if this is clear or helps. Reach out if you need clarification.
J