LHM change question

[Hell Razor5543]

The problem with hydraflush is that it is not as 'greasy' as LHM, so (while it helps clean out the pipework etc.) after a while (3,000 miles +) things could start seizing up. However, in my experience it normally takes less than 2 hours to remove the hydraflush, clean the tank and filters, pop in LHM+, get the levels correct and bleed the brakes.

I would be inclined to try and get as much hydraflush as possible out in one go. It is inevitable that some will remain in the loop, but this shouldn't be a problem if this is kept to the minimum.

[myglaren]

If it is any help to you Mike then there is an enclosed car park at the rear of my house where I do my 'servicing' and you would have decent all-round access. I have a 25 litre container to dispose of the hydraflush too, and a few tools if needed.

Your biggest problem is going to be the bleed nipples, should they be reluctant to come out and shear.

[CitroJim]

Mike, I've syphoned LHM out in the past but don't 'start' the syphon by sucking on the pipe. I can tell you from experience that LHM tastes foul!

Bleed nipples in my experience are rarely a problem. Rears I wire brush and soak in Plus Gas and then use a high quality socket on them to initially start them.

Bleed Nipples on LHM cars are nowhere near the nightmare that bleed nipples on cars with conventional brakes can be...

[Hell Razor5543]

I cheat when I empty the LHM. I have a small hand pump that I use to get the LHM into my drain tank. Very little mess, and less hassle.

[CitroJim]

That's a good idea James

[Hell Razor5543]

It makes LHM changing so much easier, and a LOT less messy!

[Old-Guy]

To siphon anything nasty, put a 'breaker reservoir' in the line.

Any plastic bottle with a larger than normal cap is suitable; just drill two holes slightly smaller than the (clear) plastic pipe. IN pipe goes to the bottom of the bottle, OUT pipe (the one you suck on!) just through the cap. The IN pipe has to be long enough for the initial syphon into the bottle to work.
Once the bottle is full, the OUT pipe adds to the syphon. You can safely suck to get the syphon started and while the bottle fills you have time to put the open end of the OUT pipe in a big container.

A clear bottle is best - I've got a 500ml clear bottle that once held fruit juice - but a plastic milk bottle would do. I use it for LHM and fuel. Regularly drain the mower tank each autumn.

You can reduce the residual amount of LHM or Hydroflush by de-pressurising the hydraulics and leaving her sitting on the floor (car not wife).

[CitroJim]

Guy, that's excellent. We can syphon to our heart's content and never have to worry about the horror that is the taste of LHM ever again.

Thank You

[isisalar]

I got a sort of giant bicycle pump thing from local factors, cost about a tenner. Can get about 95% of the LHM out of the tank without removing it and transfer the waste easily, draining takes about 10 minutes. 'Simples'
Cheers
Paul

[myglaren]

There is also this from Aldi for around a tenner.
Siphon Pump

[Clogzz]

Washington the dump

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 30#p405069" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That's not Washington the dump, it's a beautiful place.

[Old-Guy]

I forgot. Guy's patent syphon break doubles as a Xantia brake bleeding kit - it's a good idea to stand the bottle in an old ice-cream tub or similar in case it falls over while you're fiddling with the bleed nipple.

[Mandrake]

Guy, that's excellent. We can syphon to our heart's content and never have to worry about the horror that is the taste of LHM ever again.

Thank You

Yes indeed, pure genius, I must remember this trick next time I'm doing difficult siphoning.

I don't actually find an accidental taste of LHM all that bad Jim, I find petrol much worse!

[Mandrake]

Don't know the exact figure but its more like 5 litres.

There's about half a litre just between the high and low marks!

[myglaren]

It is indeed Mike.
Blossom is practically gone now, house is full of it

That Aldi siphon pump is marked down to a fiver now (just been there).

The bit where my car is parked in the photo is pretty flat and the place I do my oil changes.

I'll get a sheet of cardboard from work in case of spillages. No-one will complain but it doesn't hurt to keep the place clean and tidy.