HELP - Brakes won't bleed AT ALL!

[RR Fan Dan]

Flex line rubber deteriorates and causes plugs in the system. You could have blockage in the main lines or anywhere for that matter depending on how bad the deterioration was.

 

[MoparLeo]

Replace the steel lines.
Flush the lines before you connect to wheel cylinders or you will just be pumping crud into them.
Brake lines like coolant hoses go bad from the inside out.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic meaning it absorbs moisture.
The lines rust from the inside out.
Best to vacuum bleed but if you use the brake pedal, put a block of wood under the brake pedal to keep it from bottoming out.
You can damage the M/C if you go too far.
Always use a sealed bottle of brake fluid. it is the only way to be sure the fluid has not been contaminated with moisture.

 

[Mopewbie]

Right, I have BRAKES!

Don't ask, I have no idea what worked. I did absolutely EVERYTHING:

-All cylinders open, gravity bleeding for 5 hours - didn't work
-With only one cylinder open, I pressed the pedal and let it return EXTREMELY SLOWLY...
-Pressed the pedal several times with cylinders closed
-Used vacuum pump
etc, etc, etc...

All I can say is that the combination of everything did the trick and at some point I had fluid coming from the cylinder and could bleed it properly.

Apart from a mistake I made because I was very concentrated - I let the fluid run out in the master cylinder... stupid....

But all seems well... I'm just not entirely happy with the rear driver side, it feels it's getting a bit seized after braking? Had for force a bit to loosen up again. I just tried it all using my hand and no wheel in place, will go for a test run tomorrow (finally!)
(Rear brakes are still all old stuff apart from cylinders because I bought the wrong shoes. )
I will replace the lines soon, I just needed the car moving because I need the space.

As always, thank you all for the help, suggestions and knowledge.

 

[Geoff 2]

Most drum brakes of that era had residual line pressure valves in the outlet ports of the m/c. You cannot gravity bleed these.

 

[Road Grabber]

Glad you have some success.

I’m wondering if the rear flex line was clogged why you didn’t get brake fluid coming out the front cylinder bleeder screws? Unless the bleeder holes were clogged.

I agree change all the lines anyway if you haven’t. It’s cheap investment compared to others. Take out the brake warning switch plunger and clean it out. Clean out the metering block/junction block and clean it out. Replace the lines and bleed them again with fresh fluid.

Everything is very accessible in these cars. You don’t want any residual contamination. I’ve had all kinds of crap build up in the safety switch. While you are at it clean up the brass junction boxes. With the new lines it looks nice.

If your brake is hanging up it could be brake dust combined with brake fluid that leaked inside OR make sure you don’t have a leaking rear axle seal. Differential fluid mixed with brake dust will lock up your wheel(s).

Not saying this is the best answer but just items worth checking that takes little effort.

Have at it.