Hydraulic Bleeding Simplified?

MossRoad · Feb 21, 2005

Getting the fitting off at 1/8 of a turn at a time while standing on my head wasn't so bad, but trying to get the bleeder hose to thread onto it was no fun. 

For removing the fitting cap, couldn't you use a swivel socket on an extension bar?

Dakar · Feb 23, 2005

There was just too much in the way. The hoses that interfered were all larger sized and impossible to move far enough in any direction. Isn't there anyone else with the 25 hp Robin engine who has changed filters yet? I would enjoy the feedback whether you had difficulties or not.

Phils · Feb 23, 2005

Mine's only the 22hp, but a couple of weeks ago I changed oil filters and engine oil. Since I was welding the Supertrap onto the existing muffler, I removed the whole muffler/manifold assembly. That made it pretty easy to reach the engine filter, and also the bleed fitting for the hydraulics. Next time I will either do that again, or maybe remove the gas tank instead.

Thanks to whichever member posted the trick about putting a gallon ziplock baggie over the hydraulic filter when changing it. That made it a clean and easy operation.

Phil

FOURTEEN · Feb 23, 2005

( Yeah, but I've got stronger wheel motors /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

No you don't!! I have the latest wheel motors!! They were upgraded by PT before the switch to Robin. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

stray · Feb 24, 2005

I have a question. At any given rpm will the weaker wheel moters run faster than the newer? Sometimes I have long distances to travel and I would hate to give up any speed! I have never heard that PT made any changes to the tram pump when they installed the newer wheel moters. That is also a Question?

MossRoad · Feb 24, 2005

They use to have the speed of the PT425 listed as 0-8 MPH. I do not find the speeds listed on the website anymore. Anyone else find it?

MuncyBob · Feb 24, 2005

The baggie trick was a good one...one of those "Why didn't I think of that"!!!!! I find it fairly easy to remove the gas tank when changing the oil filter(or needing more room in the lower area)...of course, an almost empty tank makes it all the easier! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Gravy · Feb 24, 2005

Dakar,

I'm thinking about doing something similar for the same reasons. Being mechanically paranoid, I plan to get a hose with a higher pressure rating made up, add a high pressure ball valve to the end, and then cap that to keep the dirt out.

I may eventually add a return fitting to the tank so I can keep the hose & valve connected and bleed by just turning a valve. That will have to wait until I have time to do it right, making absolutely sure no metal shavings are left in the tank.

Gravy

Dakar · Feb 24, 2005

Very good ideas. I especially like the idea of the ball valve. Probably the worst aspect of the extension hose is trying to get the cap back on the end without allowing a little air into it.

ca956 · Feb 25, 2005

Dakar,

I feel your pain. I have a pt-425 with robin engine. Changing the hydo filter is a major pain in the you know what !!!!
It surely could have been made easier.
I think you have got a great idea with the bleeder hose.