First couple pumps are mushy

Posted by SmashEmUp on Jul 20, 2012; 4:11am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/First-couple-pumps-are-mushy-tp4025523.html

When I got my 81/C the front brakes were a mess, dry and seized. I tore down both front calipers, cleaned and inspected all components (which all looked very good once cleaned up) and built them back up. The master was plastic and didn't even look worth repair, so I chucked it aside and installed a full metal housing master I bought off eBay. Went to bleed the brakes and struggled to get any pressure at all. Eventually, I somehow magically managed to get some pressure. The strange thing is the lever is completely limp on the first grab! Pull, pull and then what seems to be full pressure on the third or fourth pull of the lever. Now, I've read several threads about the best ways to bleed brakes. Pumping fluid from the bleeder up to the reservoir seems to to be the best, most effective way. Okay.... I get it. Lol! But before I run out and build or buy some kind of pump contraption, doesn't sound like that's all my problem is? My current method of bleeding is ineffective and I still have air in my system? Is it just that simple?