Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MECHANICAL & TECHNICAL => Topic started by: LowRyter on October 18, 2010, 01:18:10 AM

Title: lost clutch pressure
Post by: LowRyter 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 ?
Title: Re: lost clutch pressure
Post by: pmackie 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:
Title: Re: lost clutch pressure
Post by: LowRyter on October 18, 2010, 07:07:03 PM
yeah
Title: Re: lost clutch pressure
Post by: Blade 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
Title: Re: lost clutch pressure
Post by: LowRyter on October 28, 2010, 08:46:28 PM
dont think many folks change fluid every year.
Title: Re: lost clutch pressure
Post by: txbanditrydr 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.
Title: Re: lost clutch pressure
Post by: LowRyter 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.