Clogged brake line?
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 8:38 am
Yesterday, bored, I went to the hardware store and picked up a 10mmx1 nut to assist in flushing my brake line. Using a banjo bolt,2 sealing washers and the nut I assembled my test piece. I even used a center drill to countersink the banjo so my squirt can would seal better.
Got my squirt can of alcohol and started to force it through the line. Some went through but it soon built up pressure and started squirting back at me. I let the line drain and went at it again with similar results. I swapped ends to flush back the other way. I could only get a few drops through in this direction. I abandoned the banjo and tried compressed air. Not enough air to make a paper towel flutter Then I tried lung pressure. I can blow through it ( with eyes bulging ) but very little. I'm worried that this isn't going to work.
There are 3 or 4 junctions in the hose. Does one of those junctions have a check valve in it? That's the way it seems. I might have to punt and fork out for a new SS line, but I could do without the expense if I can get by with what I have.
How 'open' should this line be? Should I be able to blow through it easily?
I remember my buffalo that had sat for 25 years was totally blocked. I took the line apart and used a coat hanger wire to clean it out. If I remember right, the line was quite free after that, but that was a long time ago so my grey matter might be failing.

Got my squirt can of alcohol and started to force it through the line. Some went through but it soon built up pressure and started squirting back at me. I let the line drain and went at it again with similar results. I swapped ends to flush back the other way. I could only get a few drops through in this direction. I abandoned the banjo and tried compressed air. Not enough air to make a paper towel flutter Then I tried lung pressure. I can blow through it ( with eyes bulging ) but very little. I'm worried that this isn't going to work.
There are 3 or 4 junctions in the hose. Does one of those junctions have a check valve in it? That's the way it seems. I might have to punt and fork out for a new SS line, but I could do without the expense if I can get by with what I have.
How 'open' should this line be? Should I be able to blow through it easily?
I remember my buffalo that had sat for 25 years was totally blocked. I took the line apart and used a coat hanger wire to clean it out. If I remember right, the line was quite free after that, but that was a long time ago so my grey matter might be failing.
