On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 7:18 PM, Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com> wrote:
> Is there any reason why it should take any real pressure for a
> Vanagon? �I remember someone advocating gravity bleeding/flushing
> (just opening the bleeder and waiting patiently).
> �I admit that it didn't seem to work when I tried it. �Does the
> front/rear equalizer restrict the flow?
>
> Larry A.

I too have tried the gravity bleed method. Fluid did drain out. Just
slowly. I was desperate (a newb) as it felt like there was still air
in the system. I would think that pressure bleeding is the best/most
convenient  way. Now that I have a spare reservoir cap, I can make my
own pressure bleeder.

AFAIK, the brake pressure regulator doesn't "kick in" until vehicle is
at a certain angle. P 47.9 Bentley specifies removing the nuts holding
regulator down, and tilting to 30* when testing it. I would think that
in theory, it shouldn't restrict bleeding.

And in passing, I've always found it interesting that there is mention
of a "lever" on pressure regulator. P 47.8 says it should be pushed in
direction or rear axle. I have seen similar mention of this in Haynes
too. (air cooled version). I don't see one on my '81 or on the one I
removed from my '85. P 47.8 also says to "disconnect vacuum hose/check
valve from brake booster prior to bleeding". Hmmm..... Never knew that
was needed.

Neil.

-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines