Bleeding Clutch System with Engine Out

[jerry montano]

I'm bleeding the clutch with the engine out and don't know if this will impact the results, since the pressure plate/clutch disc are not applying pressure against the throwout bearing. Right now the throwout bearing is extended outward with hydraulic pressure preventing it from depressing. Do I need to make sure the bearing is depressed while bleeding?

Thanks!
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69' Westy
73’ Adventure Wagen Hightop
81’ Westy

[valvecovergasket]

i bet you could get it close pressure bleeding with nothing behind it. but obviously cant pump

[?Waldo?]

Why do you want to bleed the clutch before installing the engine? It's not like you will be able to drive it.

If the trans and clutch slave are both installed when installing the engine, then you need to compress the slave and retract the throw out bearing or it can fight you terribly when trying to mate the engine to the trans. If the fluid level is high in the reservoir when you compress the slave, then it can overflow making a terrible mess of brake fluid through your wiring and on your carpet.

IMO it makes more sense to wait until the engine is installed, drain the current brake/clutch fluid, replace it with new, then bleed any air out.

[jerry montano]

Thanks, I’m trying to get as much done as I can before putting an engine in it. But since you confirm that this can can make installing the engine harder I think I’ll release some pressure before installing it and finish bleeding the system afterward.
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69' Westy
73’ Adventure Wagen Hightop
81’ Westy