HF mityvac hand pump clone. - got brake fluid in it.

[petee_c]

Got one of these for brake fluid changes etc.

I think I got some brake fluid in the pump when doing a recent brake flush on my motorcycle. Still works (both the motorcycle brakes and the vacuum pump)

Anything I could use to flush it out? or just hope that it keeps working... I use it fairly infrequently, maybe twice per year....

 

[rlitman]

Water. Then leave it open to dry.

 

[Evilunclegrimace]

Brake fluid is Hygroscopic so flush the pump out with plenty of warm water.

 

[WWheeler]

I personally wouldn't put water in it. That's the last thing I'd do.

Perhaps I would disassemble it and clean everything, but it's a ~$20 HF tool. I'd more likely just shoot a spritz of silicone spray lubricant in the end a few times while pumping it back and forth a bit with it tilted down so it can drain out. Put it away and hope for the best next time I need it. Silicone will help clean and preserve any rubber seals inside. I suspect it would be fine.

 

[petee_c]

Wheeler, Didn't see your post til now.

I did a dozen pumps of tap water through it, and then pumped it dry.

I squirted a couple squirts of rust proofing spray that is supposed to be safe for rubber in the suction end of it and pumped it a couple more times.

Yeah, no big loss if it doesn't work other than the fact the nearest HF is 2 hrs away and a border crossing for me...

It holds suction fine right now so hopefully it'll work the next time I need it.



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[Tonyuk]

It'll be fine more than likely, i wouldn't put water in it as mentioned.

 

[driftpin]

Does your bike have ABS?

 

[gungatim]

just leave it. I've got fluid in mine many times over the years and never had a problem with it. it's probably good for the seals anyway.

 

[petee_c]

Does your bike have ABS?

No it's a 2000 Honda VFR800... I believe 2 yrs before abs was offered....

Strictly used on the street...

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[Snakebyt]

if you are like me and change out brake fluid at least once a year, i say get some speed bleeders. I ordered a set for my bike and was going to install them next flush, misplaced them and havent seen them since, guess i need to buy another set for my other bike, only sure fire way to make them reappear..

https://www.sportbiketrackgear.com/speed-bleeder-motorcycle-brake-bleeder-screws/

 

[bwringer]

I've never really liked speed bleeders for motorcycles. They're completely useless for bleeding air, and even just for changing fluid, it takes a tedious amount of pumping. Vacuum bleeding is faster, IMHO. YMMV, of course -- a lot of people like them.


I installed a large translucent plastic fuel filter, I think it fits an old Gold Wing or something, on my vacuum pump on a short piece of tubing. It gives a little more vacuum volume so I can pump it up once and bleed more, plus it gives extra time to spot brake fluid headed for the pump.

 

[mbshop]

For motorcycles I used pressure to force fluid up to the reservoir. On cars I pressure bled from reservoir to calipers. I gave up on vacuum bleeding back in the early 70s. To prevent contaminating the pump again, use a foot or so of clear tubing so you can see if fluid is headed for the pump.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

I flush my bleeders with a little kerosene then mineral spirits.

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