The source of compressed air needs to be regulated way down, so you don't
blow the plastic reservoir off the master cylinder (DISASTROUS and
DANGEROUS!).  The pressure-type power-bleeders have a guage so you don't
over-pump and have problems.  The master cyl., lines, hoses and wheel cyls./
calipers withstand about 1500 psi in normal use.  But, the reservoir never
sees any pressure, except atmospheric, as it's vented to outside air.
  The pressure bleed method is superior to all other methods (in my
experience).  But you MUST exercise caution in aplying pressure to the cap/
reservoir assembly.  Regulate it to 15 psi or less, to be safe.  As I've
heard said, "once you power-bleed,  you'll never do it any other way!".

HTH,

Mike B.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Geza Polony" <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 12:03 PM
Subject: Re: Bad juju?

> Yeah, replacement seems to be the consensus. The Valvoline web site says
> Synpower is compatible with conventional fluids, but who knows, that could
> be marketing.
>
> OK, next question. Can you bleed the brakes by yourself using compressed
> air
> through the top of the bottle and opening each outlet at the wheels
> individually? I don't have anybody to pump the brakes for me.
>
> For checking exhaust leaks, I took a rubber stopper with a hole in it,
> like
> the ones you stick into carboys, and ran compressed air into the exhaust
> pipe.  It worked great along with soapy water at all the joints. I'm
> thinking the same device would pump out the brake fluid quite nicely.
>
> Not?
>