Hi everyone,
just bought a hydro shell which has no fluid in it it seems. I have a hand vacuum pump (brake bleed kit). Can I use this to evacuate the system before attempting to chuck some fluid in it with the grease gun pump (have ordered one). Do I need a valve that the plastic hose will attach to and if so what type of valve (to attatch to the hydro pipe outlet).?
Cheers,
Steve

Take a look at this setup. I think its quite slick.

All the parts you need including the airchuck to connect to the hydro lines is in there.
No need to evacuate necessarily. It helps but with a few flushes in and out (around about three) the air is removed anyway.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=88162&hilit=hydrolastic+pump

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I like the idea but the cheapest one of those pumps I can find is over 200 bucks, plus the valve at 60, might get a bit pricey

You don't need a vac pump unless the system has bags or pipes replaced.
Just pump it high then blow it down, fast. Pump up again.
I don't have an air chuck or anything, just 2x Mini front brake hoses and a bit of pipe between so I can spin the hose and fitting on. The fitting is a brass schrader valve cap, soldered into a brass fitting.
Pump is a Mini clutch MC mounted on an old Fiat 124 pedal box.

Shown here hooked to my hydro bag test rig.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Keep your eye on eBay and Gumtree if you don't need it before the weekend.
I got a virtually new one of those pumps with a plastic base/tank on eBay for $20.00. Then it cost me slightly more than that to get it posted to me!
The valve was about $60 from a place at Hindmarsh. Add a fitting from my toolbox to connect it to the end of the hose and it was all done for a little over $100.

And it works great!

Tim.

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Don't listen to what I am saying... just understand what I mean.

Just out of curiosity. What's the worth of doing your own hydro pump vs taking it to a workshop? Is it cheaper to buy the pump and fittings after one service?

How often does a hydro system need pumping?

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I have a problem.. apparently

For me it will work out better to get my own as I have two hydro minis, Im not sure how much a service is going for these days. Would be a handy thing to have:-)

Hi Doc,
When you say blow it down, fast, what is the process you use for that?
Cheers,
Steve

Push the valves stem in hard with the metal cap, watch yer eyes...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

cool,
Do I leave it in until no more fluid comes out, or is it just to let air rush out?
Cheers,
Steve

Hold it until. fluid flow almost stops. Repeat after pump up until no air.
My local dealer never used vac when doing a normal pump up.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Definitely worth it for ~$100, and I like the convenience of being able to do it myself at home even though I am only 5 minutes from Minisport. If I want to adjust the height it only takes me 10-15 mins... and most of that is getting the pump and fluid organised.

If there are no leaks, then it should not need doing that often unless you are pulling something apart.

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Don't listen to what I am saying... just understand what I mean.

Sounds easy enough , any advise on how to tell if all air is out of system, any tell tale signs?
Cheers,
Steve

The only use of the vacuum side of the original hydro pump is to pull the displacer up out of the way so you can get clearance to easily remove suspension strut, ball joints, nylon cups without removing displacers. It can't suck the air out of the system since as soon as you release the vacuum on the pump, air must flow back through the end valve into the line again.
Dr Kev's method of fill/empty/fill works perfectly well. I have never have any symptom that is caused by "air in the line".
(I suspect that air bubbles will be collapsed under the pressure of the system.)
At worst, you may have to repump the suspension if it drops slightly after a few days' use.

IMO they should have put the valves at the front hoses, as air rises. As the Morris 1100 had.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.