A $6.00 Pressure Bleeder

I've had varying degrees of success bleeding the clutch system on my VW Vanagons. In the past I've been able to bleed the system by pumping the clutch pedal (and opening the bleeder on the slave), or by just allowing gravity to do it's thing (leave the bleeder open for a while). However, the last time I changed the slave cylinder on my Syncro, nothing would work - so I decided it was finally time to build a pressure bleeder. Now I wonder why I waited so long! Works great for both clutch and brakes, and it really makes those two year brake fluid changes a snap!

Here's the main component I used, a "FlowMaster" Home & Garden Sprayer, from the garden section of my local Wal-Mart ($5.96).

I assume this is normally used for spraying plants, but of course I'm too busy fixing VW's to mess around with such an application. It holds just over one litre, and the only mod required is to unscrew the spray cap from the end and insert an approriate hose. (I used 3/8"OD vinyl tubing I had laying around.)
A spare brake/clutch reservoir cap was used. To plug the hole in it I cut a piece of plastic and used a rubber washer. The fittings were from my junk bin. A small length of vinyl tubing extends into the reservoir to the depth of the "max" line desired. When finished bleeding, relieving the pressure on the bleeder pot enables the fluid in the reservoir to be siphoned out, down to the required level.
Here's the finished product
To use - I give the pump a few stokes (put some brake fluid in first!), screw the reservoir cap on, and press the thumb trigger (the button on the trigger locks it on). The unit hangs nicely from my vent window frame. Of course you also have to open the appropriate bleeder valve. When finished I unscrew the sprayer bottle slightly to relieve the pressure, and as mentioned the fluid is drawn back to the bottle, down to the "max" line on the reservoir.
Of course, I take no credit or responsibility for the hazards involved with such a complex device. DOT 4 brake fluid may or may not be compatible with the plastics involved over long term use. For six bucks I'm happy. Use at your own risk.