lost clutch pressure

[LowRyter]

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 ?

[pmackie]

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!! 

[LowRyter]

yeah

[Blade]

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

[LowRyter]

dont think many folks change fluid every year.

[txbanditrydr]

They should.... and I have to - after several months the clutch fluid is just plain nasty looking.

[LowRyter]

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.