That thumb in that picture is way too long anyway.... go ahead and cut..

No one is saying that overstroking is not a catastropy.....

Under normal brake bleeding.... it is the person at the nipples ( forum member ) who should control the amount spit out each round of the procedure to avoid that overstroking...

__________________
1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

Do the longest lines first, finish at the front drivers wheel.. Now before you start the bleed process, look inside of your pump, inside you will see a plastic uptake tube(internal pressure tube to fill line) mark the outside of the container with an arrow so you know which side it is on. When the last drivers side is bled rotate the container to have the arrow side up (facing the ceiling) bleed container on its side. Now go back to the drivers bleeder valve and open it to remove the overfill from the pressure pump at the master cylinder reservoir, look up at the reservoir to get the right level at full fill.... This will allow you to not have to siphon the overfilled reservoir and have much less to clean up. When the container is rotated onto its side only air pressure is pumped not fluid, so just adjust final level and be done. Also less extra fluid leaks out of air lines from the pump.. Easy piezy.. Do not forget clean the pump and lines with denatured alcohol let air dry...

My 1979 280sl bleeding with the brake pedal cost me a new master cylinder.. I always use a motive power bleeder exclusively. If I use it on other cars i just make my own adapters. Toyota use a rubber plug from plumbing dept a hose clamp easy. others like nissan use another cap and drill for hose connection. can also use clamps to hold cap down or chain trick. to get air tight.. I love a power bleeder...The suction pump at the bleeder doesn't work, its also a pita. Makes job not fun.... Then make your own fluid catcher to attach to bleeder, just made mine with a handle and an extra hole for the hose to not drip all over.. Be sure its clear so you can see fluid...