After finally replacing all the brakes lines and hoses and a right caliper, we went to bleed the brakes and sorta ran out of fluid. We had about 1/3 of the back reservoir full when done. The first push of the pedal, it gets pretty firm right around the floor but but after about 3 pumps it gets nice a firm about where a regular pedal should get firm. My question is, is it a bad MS or because i dont have enough fluid in the MS?

 

If this is happening, then the system was not properly bled and there is still air in the lines. You shouldn't drive around with that low of a fluid level, but it's not the cause of the spongey pedal.

 

You dont have to worry about driving it, it wont go far without a motor. Do you have any tips for bleeding? I went from BR, BL, FR, FL until i had no air in the lines (or thought i had no air)

 

I have found that pushing the pedal down very slowly, holding it there, and gently releasing it can be effective at pushing through those last few air bubbles. Pumping the pedal too fast can create turbulence and just move the bubbles around. The order you went in is correct.

It's also possible that one of the fittings isn't sealing properly and is letting in tiny amounts of air that are hard to see.

Also, give this a read: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post8072800
You're technically supposed to pull out the proportioning valve pin when bleeding the front brakes. A lot of people don't do it and it's not always necessary, but it's technically the correct way to do it.

 

Did you bleed the master cylinder ? If it went dry at anytime during bleeding I'd do it again. Check the prop valve and make sure the safety valve isn't tripped. Always pump slowly when bleeding so you don't set the safety valve off.

 

Not sure where the safety valve is on the prop valve. And i dont believe it ever went dry, the fluid just got low.

fmc400, are you saying to push it slowly, hold it, then let it back up a couple times then try bleeding, or crack the screw every time it hits the floor?

 

Another thing to check is to make sure the drum brakes are properly adjusted. Even though they have automatic adjusters sometimes these freeze up and don't work. Drums with too much clearance between the shoes and drums can cause the same symptoms.
The valve is a small pin that is located on the front of the proportioning valve. It should be pulled out slightly and clipped so it doesn't pull back in while you bleed the brakes. When done bleeding take the clip off.

 

Here is a picture of the proportioning valve. The pin is located on the front (right side in the picture) of the valve.

 

Crack the bleeder every time it hits the floor. Close it back up before your helper releases the pedal.

 

Has anyone ever tried sticking the bleeder hose into a bottle of brake fluid so that air can not get back into the system & then slowly pumping the brake pedal with the bleeder valve left open?