help bleeding / flushing 1500 clutch

[Alan_Hepburn]

Lemme get this right.

In order,
1 pull the clutch lever & release
2 pull the clutch lever & hold it pulled (with elastic bands or whatever)
3 open bleeder screw
4 wait for all fluid to drain out
5 close bleeder screw
6 then release lever & fill resevour

Just one addition to step 4: don't let the reservoir run dry - keep it full of fluid while the fluid is running out the bleeder. If you let it run dry you're just letting more air get into the line.

[hap2]

ok thanx...will do that

[hap2]

BTW, My bleeder bolt (down by the alternator) is a 10 mm, not 8. So glad I had a small 10 mm open / box end wrench.

[hap2]

I did all the steps listed below & still nothing.
Here's the steps I followed:

In order,
1 pull the clutch lever & release
2 pull the clutch lever & hold it pulled (with elastic bands or whatever)
3 open bleeder screw
4 wait for all fluid to drain out
(don't let the reservoir run dry - keep it full of fluid while the fluid is running out the bleeder. If you let it run dry you're just letting more air get in)
5 close bleeder screw
6 then release lever & fill resevour

Just one addition to step 4: don't let the reservoir run dry - keep it full of fluid while the fluid is running out the bleeder. If you let it run dry you're just letting more air get into the line.

Just one thing I can think of...MAYBE I didn’t have the bleeder tube below the level of the fluid in the bottle? (so air got back into the line?)

I think I'll invest in a one-man bleeder kit!

[DenverWinger]

I did mention, "Repeat as needed". Absolutely try repeated pulling clutch lever to see if you can pump any pressure up before holing lever and opening bleeder....

Another thing to try is after pumping up the pressure, crack open the hydraulic line fitting ("Banjo Bolt") at the clutch master cylinder to see if you get any air bubbles out of that. Be ready to catch fluid and not get any on the paint, Brake fluid loves paint and ABS plastic for lunch. Brake fluid eats paint!.

[hap2]

OK, I'll try again for the 3rd time & this next time, pump the clutch 5X before opening the valve

Do u suggest getting a one-man brake bleeding kit or a mityvac?

[hap2]

What a pain this is for a novice like me

[DenverWinger]

The Mityvac's are good, but no reason you can't bleed the system manually. Unless, that is, you have a fault in either the master cylinder or the slave. In either case, a rebuild kit is likely in order....

From repeated pumping of the clutch handle, are you losing fluid? That says either a line or the slave is leaking.

On the other hand, if after pumping up the clutch handle and you can't get a squirt of something out of the bleeder on the slave cylinder, says the master cylinder is not pumping.

On the third hand, if so far you've got nothing at all to come out of the bleeder, the bleeder itself might be plugged.

Use logic and work this through, you will be happily successful! The fluid has to go "somewhere" when you pull the handle.... even if it's just leaking past master cylinder piston seals and going back to the reservoir.

[hap2]

Fluid is coming out of the bleeder when I pump. When I release, it comes out faster for some reason.
No squirting or leaks anywhere.

[hap2]

If i continue to not have success at my efforts, I'll just pay someone to load it on a trailer & take it to my mechanic guy whose 60 mi away, but very good at both work & price

[DenverWinger]

Starting to sound like failed master cylinder.

[hap2]

The good news is, on the 3rd try, I was able to bleed the bike clutch by myself...took about 20 min, so now I can ride it. (So master cylinder is still good)

I used this method & just made sure the tube stayed the bottom under fluid.

1 connect hose
2 counter-clockwise loop hose & hold loop together with zip tie
3 loosen valve
4 then remove reservoir cover & fill up reservoir
5 secure clutch lever with elastic
6 keep refilling reservoir 3X until you see no bubbles & clear fluid
7 tighten valve
8 remove hose
9 put reservoir top back on

Thank you all for the help.

[hap2]

The little rubber cap covering up the bleeding valve has gone missing. Does anyone know where I can get another one or what I can cover it up with (that will stay) in the meantime?

Thanks

[AZgl1800]

get a piece of vacuum line, put a dab of silicone on one end of it, slip it over, and it is good for life...
or until you find the little cap again.

[hap2]

Thank you very much. I appreciate it

[WingAdmin]

With all the hassle involved in bleeding brakes and clutches, especially on hard to do ones like on the split-braking systems, to me, having a Mity-Vac and the time saved, is worth the expense. I can fill and bleed a completely dry system with a Mity-Vac in minutes, the first time, every time, by myself. It works.

[hap2]

In my case if it’s a real emergency I do it manually without the expense of a mityvac. Usually, just pay someone to do it and it’s done right I don’t have to worry about it. Then I’m done with it and all is good

[RockportDave]

Years back we realized bleeding the clutch and brakes (especially the foot brake) was easier with a hand vacuum pump. MityVac or even the cheaper version from Harbor Freight works real good. We also found we got a “better pedal” on the foot break by using a hand vac pump. The travel on the foot pedal would be a lot longer bleeding conventionally verses the hand pump. Using the vacuum pump pulled the fluid through the system helping to get all the air out.
Which ever way you do it, be sure to keep fluid in the reservoir and use DOT 4 fluid.
Dave

[hap2]

Right u r. Can I re-use the bled fluid or just toss it?

[RockportDave]

Use it to start a campfire. The fluid in these systems should be replaced whenever the color is getting darker. Brake fluid even in a sealed system will start to get moisture and if left too long will start corroding the system.
Dave

[hap2]

ok thanx..It's been 2 yrs, so I guess I shud get the brake, engine, & rear end fluid changed

[RockportDave]

If your brake fluids look clear and all is working correctly no need to rush into it.
There are good articles in the dyi sections that give great info on maintenance and also a service manual is one of the best tools to have.
Dave

[hap2]

Gotta b done eventually anyway. I've got plans to do it, so y not?