Hello,
I have done a number of brake jobs over the years and find now that the T-Bird is likely due again for a new master cylinder. I did this job about 8 years ago and regreted it. The Cylinder on the vehicle has a bottom port which makes it ugly to prepare the cylinder (bench bleed) as well as to install it---in fact it is impossible in my opinion. What am I missing on this job? In all years past, a 2 port side connect cylinder is all I encountered and the job went smoothly. The 3rd bottom port of course connects to an equalizing valve below it. Last time I ended up taking the car to a shop to have all the air bled out because the installation I did was a flop. It's like pouring water into a funnel which also has 2 side openings! If this is a mess--I'll just take it to a local place to do it. I usually enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of these jobs, but I do not want to repeat the last job again. I can post a picture if someone needs to see what I am talking about. Looks like you simply have to install a dry cylinder on this vehicle and fill and bleed--too much work for me--as you would have to bleed the entire system completely.
buy the older all metal setup. I know they had them in 86. Get a "1 man brake bleeder kit". There $5 at harbor freight. Also, I have never "bench bled" any I have replaced. Did they start coming with instructions?
You could buy a pressure bleeder and I think that would solve the problem.
http://store.motiveproducts.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=motive&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=909801661&Count2=826942086
You just have to know what style of cap you need. I have one for my Coupe and T-Bird and it works great. This is a must if you have ABS.
Darren
Thanks for the replies... I should check the item before writing. The tap at the cylinder bottom is the line to the rear brakes. That explains why years ago I had to take the car to the shop after my DIY and have them bleed the brakes. The rear was full of air--as it was tough to get it all out. There appears no way to mount this Master cylinder on the T-Bird with any fluid in it--as it will just pour out the bottom port as I mentioned above. The other Ford I have can be bench bled---saves a whole lot of work.