Clutch

[B-2]

I have a 1999 Valkyrie interstate the problem I am having is when I sit at a light for a long time after it is up to operating temperature I lose my clutch I have completely redone the whole system rebuilt the master new brake line and new slave cylinder I put a speed bleeder and have put a full bottle of brake fluid through the system I am not getting any bubbles after I sit a long time it just starts hopping I can turn it off pump the clutch once hit the key and set there for another 5 minutes before it happens again driving me nuts

[Rambozo]

Leaking fluid = fix leak
Not leaking = internal leak in master, fix master.
Be sure to check behind both dust boots for any leakage.
Very rare = balloning hose but that usually has other symptoms, too.

[newday777]

I have a 1999 Valkyrie interstate the problem I am having is when I sit at a light for a long time after it is up to operating temperature I lose my clutch I have completely redone the whole system rebuilt the master new brake line and new slave cylinder I put a speed bleeder and have put a full bottle of brake fluid through the system I am not getting any bubbles after I sit a long time it just starts hopping I can turn it off pump the clutch once hit the key and set there for another 5 minutes before it happens again driving me nuts

You need to be specific what you mean by "I lose my clutch"

What exactly happens???
Bike starts moving forward without releasing clutch??
Bike won't move when clutch is released???

You say you put a "new slave cylinder in"
Brand new from Honda??
Or used off another bike???

Did you bench bleed the master cylinder at the banjo bolt before bleeding the slave bleeder??

[B-2]

Sorry guys I have no leaks the problem I'm having is the clutch bleeds down at a real long stop light and the bike surges & dies. Driving on back roads I can ride all day with out a problem. I used a K&L rebuild kit for the master cylinder, I have used them for years now with out a problem on a lot of my bikes. I think that's my problem so I stopped and ordered a new one from Honda this time. Thanks for the help I don't have the patience I used to have . Getting old I guess lol I'm 65 now but still enjoy fixing my own stuff. I'll post after I rebuild that master again. Thanks

[Rambozo]

Be sure to check the master bore with a light for any scratches or corrosion. If you find any, you will have to replace it.

[WingAdmin]

Are you losing clutch fluid? i.e. is the level going down in the reservoir?

[newday777]

Sorry guys I have no leaks the problem I'm having is the clutch bleeds down at a real long stop light and the bike surges & dies. Driving on back roads I can ride all day with out a problem. I used a K&L rebuild kit for the master cylinder, I have used them for years now with out a problem on a lot of my bikes. I think that's my problem so I stopped and ordered a new one from Honda this time. Thanks for the help I don't have the patience I used to have . Getting old I guess lol I'm 65 now but still enjoy fixing my own stuff. I'll post after I rebuild that master again. Thanks

Did you bleed the master cylinder at the banjo bolt before bleed at the slave cylinder????

[Charlie1Horse]

So, why the rebuild? What was the problem before? If your clutch is bleeding down after a few minutes and you're not losing fluid then you must have gotten a defective rebuild kit, which happens occasionally with any manufacturer, or you happened to damage something while assembling it. I have done that a few times myself over the years. Probably the master cylinder. I have had brake pedals in cars and trucks that would seep down to the floor while sitting with my foot on the pedal and it was always a master cylinder internal leak.
Russell

Those who say it cannot be done should try not to interrupt those who are doing it.

[newday777]

And did you clean the return port in the master cylinder?? That if clogged will give these symptoms. You have to clear with a wire from a wire brush, hold with needle nose plyers.

[B-2]

I didn't check the return port I am waiting on a new rebuild kit from honda so I will do that when I put it in. I took over a 100 mile ride on back roads yesterday and didn't have any problems at all. Just stopping & starting it does fine just sitting over 4 or 5 minutes it bleeds down. The reason I did the rebuild was the fluid turned black on a trip from TX to Seattle Washington then down the coast and back home. I was on the rode for a month (That's a trip I would recommend to anybody that hasn't done it yet.)
So I thought if I have to replace the line I might ad well rebuild the whole system.

[B-2]

I picked up the new rebuild kit from honda, after talking to him I remembered something. When cleaning the bowl of the master cylinder I realized the little crome thing in the middle was loose, so I picked it up and took out the steel ball and flushed it out and put it all back. They told me it should not have been loose and that could be my problem. Has anyone had that happen I think I put it back in the way it was. Should I just find another master cylinder and replace it?

[B-2]

the tab in the center is what came out

This tab is what I said was loose when I first looked in the master cylinder. I just can't remember if the hole in the tab was were it's at now or if it was turned around it will fit either way. Thanks for any info it's driving me crazy

[newday777]

The hole goes down as you have it

[B-2]

Thanks I guess I'll put the new rebuild kit from Honda that I have and hope it works. Thanks for all the info everyone. Thanks Bill