Bleeding new brake system without an engine- need to wait?

[msg]

Ive finally completed the install and i wanted to test for leaks and thought to bleed the brakes. I may be premature, does the engine have to be running to do this? Just to test for leaks? I havent installed the engine and was hoping to test for leaks first in the brake system.

I bought the plug for the prop valve and replaced the sensor with it. Ive got a bleeder kit also ready to start, just wasnt sure what I should/shouldnt do next.

[nsb29]

No bleed away if you have power brakes hook a shop vac up to test pedal

[The Rocknrod]

Bleed it.

[msg]

Thanks guys for the quick replies, I actually dont even have the brake pedal installed yet. I'll hook that up first, been putting it off since the interior hasnt been covered yet with noise reducer mat stuff.

[jayoldschool]

You don't even need a pedal, you can push in the back of the master. Even easier, gravity bleed it, it's full of air. Let the gravity do the work for you...

[The Rocknrod]

That's what I did first is gravity bleed. Then used the pedal to check everything after. Went much smoother that way.

[slepysal]

X2 on gravity bleeding .
Make sure you bench bleed the master cylinder first before you bleed the rest if the system.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by slepysal

X2 on gravity bleeding .
Make sure you bench bleed the master cylinder first before you bleed the rest if the system.

That right there is all it takes...and a little patience until all them air bubbles stop. I'm beyond that calling up from underneath with responses, "Up, up, down, down", rinse and repeat.

[Jake1971]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

That right there is all it takes...and a little patience until all them air bubbles stop. I'm beyond that calling up from underneath with responses, "Up, up, down, down", rinse and repeat.

After decades of the two person brake bleeding I finally bought a pressurized brake bleeder kit similar to the one I used in the Army Motor Pool for about $110 found it on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Bestauto-Pneu.../dp/B07TMYSSN7

[msg]

That will do way better that the tinker toy I used. I went cheap after having to buy the expensive flaring tool that did perfect by the way...no leaks!!

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by Jake1971

After decades of the two person brake bleeding I finally bought a pressurized brake bleeder kit similar to the one I used in the Army Motor Pool for about $110 found it on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Bestauto-Pneu.../dp/B07TMYSSN7

Yeah, I oughtta get one of those. I had access to one when I worked as a mechanic, but after graduating uni in '83, I lost that use.

[bigmoe]

Bench bleeding with a syringe is the latest greatest way to do a master cylinder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USdtwqju4GY

[Ronster66]

I’ve installed Speed Bleeders on three of my vehicles. Makes it a one person job. No complaints. They make it very easy to flush the entire system with new fluid as well.

['65 chevy lover]

Originally Posted by nsb29

No bleed away if you have power brakes hook a shop vac up to test pedal

Good idea, I would have never thought to use a vacuum! You learn something new every day.

['65 chevy lover]

Duplicate post

[68Gold/white]

Front disc, rear drum???
If you have all drum or just rear drum, make sure the shoes are adjusted, and can even be adjusted a little tight, before bleeding.

I also gravity bleed to start.

[bigmoe]

Originally Posted by Ronster66

I’ve installed Speed Bleeders on three of my vehicles. Makes it a one person job. No complaints. They make it very easy to flush the entire system with new fluid as well.

Now those are cool. Kinda expensive but I guess you could use and remove them for use on other vehicles.