Bleeding brakes-pedal pressure problem. Could use some advice/suggestions

[Flathead Fever]

Originally Posted by V8 Bob

It really isn't a good idea to pinch shut brake hoses, as unseen damage can occur. The proper way is to plug the line or port with steel/brass fittings.

You are definitely correct. I was an ASE Master brake mechanic. I had mixed feelings about posting that. I only that a few times over 30-years years at work with special pliers with smooth clamps, no teeth, only tightening the clamp by hand just enough to close the hose so it didn't smash it and that that was usually on new hoses. I only did this when I was absolutely having problems getting a pedal to try and figure out where the air was at. We had some big trucks with aftermarket micro locks that locked the wheels up when the truck was parked and in use. They could be absolutely miserable to bleed. The one thing at work is I knew the brakes worked at one time, that all the parts were correct. When you're working on something like you're working on you need to make sure that the master cylinder brake rod is making through its full travel. That the pedal has the correct geometry, that the rod is being pushed all the way in. Once that's determined you can plug off the ports on the master cylinder and see if you have a rock-hard pedal, that way you know the master cylinder is good. You're trying to figure out where the problem is, master cylinder, front brakes, or rear brakes. When everything is correct and adjusted up it should bleed out quicky leaving you with a good brake pedal. I wish I was there to help.