How to Manually Bleed a Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder for a 1966 Dodge Truck
The 1966 Dodge truck utilizes a hydraulic clutch system. This system works on the same principle as the brakes. A master cylinder holds brake fluid, a slave cylinder operates the clutch lever and a hydraulic metal line connects them. When you push in the clutch pedal, hydraulic fluid is forced from the master cylinder into the slave cylinder. The hydraulic pressure forces the piston in the slave cylinder to move outward and to disengage the clutch. The process of bleeding the master cylinder is done through the slave cylinder because air must be removed from the entire system.
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Things You'll Need
- 20-ounce clear water bottle (empty and dry)
- 3 feet of 3/16-inch clear plastic tubing
- Knife
- Wrench set
- DOT 3 brake fluid
- Assistant
- Shop rags
Instructions
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1
Park the Dodge on a level surface and set the parking brake. Shift the transmission to "Neutral."
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2
Check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder. If it is not full, fill it up with clean brake fluid. Note: During this process, it is important to frequently check the fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Don't let the master cylinder run out of fluid or you will have to start over.
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3
Assemble a brake bleeder by carefully using the point of a knife to bore a hole in the cap of a 20-ounce water bottle. Make the hole just large enough so that you can slide the clear plastic tubing into it. Slide in the tubing far enough so that it will reach the bottom of the bottle when the cap is put on.
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4
Fill the water bottle about one-quarter with clean brake fluid. Put the cap on the bottle. The end of the tubing will be submerged in the fluid.
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5
Move underneath the Dodge to the slave cylinder. Use a wrench to loosen the bleeder screw but don't open it yet. Attach the end of the plastic tubing to the tip of the bleeder screw. Open the bleeder screw about a half of a turn.
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6
Have an assistant push the clutch pedal three or four times. Watch the end of the hose in the bottle. After the hose is filled with brake fluid, look for any air bubbles coming out of the slave cylinder. Make sure the master cylinder is full and repeat the process. When no air bubbles are seen exiting the slave cylinder, close and tighten the bleeder screw.
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7
Remove the hose from the slave cylinder. Hold the hose up so the fluid drains into the bottle. Wipe up any spilled fluid with shop rags.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash your hands with soap and water. If you get brake fluid on painted surfaces, wash them with soap and water.
