'73 Dolomite 1850 - Changing brake hoses

[Matt1850]

Morning all,

I have an early 1850 auto with the single line braking system. I need to change the brake hoses but its not going to be a quick job as they've been on there for some time and the unions are slathered in underseal. Does anyone have any tips for stopping flow of fluid out of the master cylinder whilst the work is done? On more modern cars I've been able to hold the brake pedal halfway down with a stick, would this work?

Sorry if this has been covered previously, I tried to use the search function but didn't turn anything up.

Thank you.

[xvivalve]

I've never managed to get it to work completely, but it does arrest the flow: place several layers of cling film over the top of the one reservoir stretched tautly and then replace the lid. Don't forget to remove them when the job is done.

However, you'd still need to fully bleed the system after hose replacement and a complete change of fluid every few years is beneficial, in fact advisable!

[Matt1850]

Thank you, I'll give that a go. It has been about 2 years since the last fluid change so that will be done afterwards, just want to minimise the mess!

[Richard the old one]

I have used the method outlined by XVIvalve but as he states it does not always work. I also like to regularly use a Gunson brake fluid tester as it is cheap to purchase and easy to use. I also check my clutch fluid at the same time and change it if the test indicates the water level is above 3% in the hope that it will stop any rust forming in the inside of the system.

[MIG Wielder]

.... On more modern cars I've been able to hold the brake pedal halfway down with a stick, would this work?

Thank you.

Now that is a good idea. Certainly pressing the brake pedal part way down should close off the inlet port and stop flow of fluid. I've always used the cling film over the reservoir method myself. A combination of the two should guarantee minimum fluid loss.
Tony.

[sprint95m]

Does anyone have any tips for stopping flow of fluid out of the master cylinder whilst the work is done?

Use a plug
(You need two actually, one male and one female)

I make these using a brake pipe union and a short brake pipe (closed at the end).



Ian