Author Topic: lost clutch pressure  (Read 3820 times)

Offline LowRyter

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lost clutch pressure
« on: October 18, 2010, 01:18:10 AM »
was riding today and lost pressure on the clutch lever.  I had about 1/16 in worth of engagement.  Opened the master cylinder for the first time.  Low on fluid and gimey in there.  Topped it with DOT 4 and pumped it up. Seems OK.   Did notice some oily stiff behind the alternator.  hmmmm ?
John L

1998 Red Suzuki GSF-1200S
1998 Red & Cream Moto Guzzi V11 EV
2001 Greenie Moto Guzzi V11 Sport

Offline pmackie

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Re: lost clutch pressure
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2010, 01:10:23 PM »
Hey LowRyter

You should look over the master & slave cylinders as well as the whole length of clutch line as you must have a leak somewhere. Brake Fluid doesn't evaporate, so you need to find the leak as it won't fix itself!!  :annoy:
Paul
2002-GSF600S, Progressive Fork Springs, B12 Shock,
SS Brake lines, EBC HH pads, Leo Vince Ex & Kappa bags.
Ex Bike Mechanic (late 70's), somewhat rusty
32 years in the Fuel/lubes industry(Retired)

Offline LowRyter

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Re: lost clutch pressure
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2010, 07:07:03 PM »
yeah
John L

1998 Red Suzuki GSF-1200S
1998 Red & Cream Moto Guzzi V11 EV
2001 Greenie Moto Guzzi V11 Sport

Offline Blade

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Re: lost clutch pressure
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2010, 11:52:53 PM »
I would recommend flushing the systems with fresh fluid and then fill. Redo in about 2 weeks to 30 days depending to make sure you have a clean system.

Hydralic fluid should be changed at least once a year, more in humid (hi moisture) and dirty areas

Offline LowRyter

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Re: lost clutch pressure
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2010, 08:46:28 PM »
dont think many folks change fluid every year.
John L

1998 Red Suzuki GSF-1200S
1998 Red & Cream Moto Guzzi V11 EV
2001 Greenie Moto Guzzi V11 Sport

Offline txbanditrydr

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Re: lost clutch pressure
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2010, 04:13:26 PM »
They should.... and I have to - after several months the clutch fluid is just plain nasty looking.
'01 B600S ... sold
'05 B1200S ... Top 20 mods... #20 through #2 - All The Usual Ones, Yada, Yada  & #1... 150,000+ Miles and Counting!!!!

Offline LowRyter

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Re: lost clutch pressure
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2010, 08:29:48 PM »
I've never changed it..perhaps my mechanic did it when the clutches were rebuilt?..... last one perhaps 30k miles ago...and yes it looks a little bit dirty with a some rubber dust floating in it.

I think I'd go for more stainless lines.  For now it's topped up and works fine.

BTW, do I need a bleeder machine or can I just use a plastic hose and siphon it into a jar with some brake fluid in it?

Jay, check out the RAT Raid at The Hub next April.  Has it been a year since we last rode together?  Have to do it again to get push mtn in the past.
John L

1998 Red Suzuki GSF-1200S
1998 Red & Cream Moto Guzzi V11 EV
2001 Greenie Moto Guzzi V11 Sport