Clogged brake line?

[Coyote]

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.

[tz375]

If it's that bad, it's time for new lines. I just can't bring myself to use old hoses. They are available as genuine spares (or close copies) which are not so cheap or braided lines which vary a lot in price. I get mine off a guy in Canada that advertises on ebay. They are about 40 bucks a line and you could go with one line or a split two piece.

[Desert_75]

I have fished safety-wire through with success to clear blocks (last resort), then start saving for new lines.

[ConnerVT]

If it's that bad, it's time for new lines.

+5 - They are your brakes. When new, they weren't the best feature of this bike. You want them to work, every time, as best as possible.

[Coyote]

I used braided lines on my 550 cafe. Twin discs up front and a single disc rear. They worked great. Ill probably go with another if I can find it with a black jacket. The ones on my cafe were clear, but they went well with the package.
I'd better wait till the bike is mostly together. I don't think it will be quite as long as the OEM hose. I have often wondered why the OEM line(s) weren't one piece and why such elaborate retention methods.
And on the 750 you have that overkill junction block to split in to 2 lines. (I have 2 or 3 of those block if anyone wants them). It was easy on my cafe with twin discs. I just used a double banjo bolt at the MC and 2 lines directly to the calipers. Worked great. I'm sure the new owner would agree.

[bill in okc]

I bought a complete new replacement set from cruzinimage_co on ebay. 32 bucks and 12 shipping. They look really nice and got here from Japan in 3 days.

[yeadon_m]

+1 on Cruisinimage lines
Mike

[Coyote]

Ordered! Looks like the way to go to me. THANKS!

[Coyote]

The one thing that gripes me about Cruisinimage is they don't make oversize pistons for the 550. I could have saved a lot of money by NOT using Paul Miller. Maybe in the future --- when I don't need them anymore.

[Coyote]

Hey Bill. Mine got here in 3 days too. How they do that? Do I need to Teflon wrap the connections?

[bill in okc]

I didn't but I had a couple of leaks until I tightened them up a bit more. I used stat-o-seals.

I used 1st oversize cruzin image pistons in my H1. They seem to be pretty decent pistons, the bike runs great, but yeah why no oversize GT550 pistons? and actually I used their GT550 clutch plates and carb rebuild kit too. I am happy with everything I've gotten from them.

[old racer]

You should only use crush washers on these unions,
Copper or Aluminium.
I prefer copper.