Dear friends,
I wanted to let you know that yesterday we were able to resolve the issue of how to bleed the hydraulic clutch system of a 2012 Ford F-350 HD (pre-filled system). Here is the procedure we followed:
1. Remove the slave cylinder (the one attached to the engine block).
2. Disconnect the hose from the slave cylinder.
3. Disconnect the hose from the brake fluid reservoir.
4. Connect a clear plastic hose to the slave cylinder hose. Fill it with brake fluid, keeping it elevated and vertical, until the fluid level rises above the clutch master cylinder.
5. Using a needleless syringe, add brake fluid to the hose that feeds the master cylinder.
6. Slowly depress the clutch pedal several times, making sure to add brake fluid to the supply hose as you go. Air will escape through the clear hose, which must be kept vertical throughout the entire procedure. The oil level in this hose must be kept above the pump position. Operate the pedal until no more air bubbles emerge.
7. Holding the slave cylinder upright with the inlet facing upwards, fill it with oil, ensuring no air remains inside. Keep it upright until ready to connect.
8. Plug the pump's supply hose. Remove the clear hose and quickly plug the slave cylinder's hose with your finger.
9. Quickly connect the slave cylinder to the hose, being careful not to spill any oil from the cylinder.
10. Place the slave cylinder in its position.
11. Verify that the pump's supply hose is full of oil and connect it to the reservoir.
Now it's time to verify that the system is working correctly.