Not my '83 but...My son's Explorer's brake line sprang a leak and the master cylinder ran dry. I have repaired the leak. Will I have to bench bleed the master cylinder first or should standard brake bleeding suffice?
Thanks

 

I think the standard bleeding method will be fine.

The reason for bench bleeding a "new" MC is that the stroke with the pedal connected is not a "full stroke" so some air could remain in the cylinder. But since your cylinder is not new I think there is going to be fluid in the bore (even if reservoir is empty).

The problem with bench bleeding an old MC is that there may be some crud built up int the bore where the piston never reaches (due the shorter stroke with pedal connected) thee if you bench bleed your running the seals through this crud which could tear them.

Lastly, I'll add, if you can't get a good firm pedal bleeding with the MC installed, you can always pull it then to bench bleed. But in that event, I would just replace it (for the reasons mentioned above and because they are not very expensive).

 

Ok, good advice. Thank you.