Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
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Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
I've been reading the tutorials and, at least twice, have read to pour fork oil in to flush the tube.
I've ordered BelRay fork oil.
Can I use ATF fluid to do a flush, and then fill with the BelRay?
Are they compatible?
If I did the math correctly, one bottle of BelRay will do both tubes, but I don't want to end up short by using it to flush with. I have extra ATF on the shelf.
Thanks.
I've ordered BelRay fork oil.
Can I use ATF fluid to do a flush, and then fill with the BelRay?
Are they compatible?
If I did the math correctly, one bottle of BelRay will do both tubes, but I don't want to end up short by using it to flush with. I have extra ATF on the shelf.
Thanks.
- Happytrails
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2018 Ural Gearup
Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
Not sure but my guess would be its ok. I just ordered parts to do this as well. Wasnt sure if 1 bottle would be enough so ordered 2 of the 10w belray. Its long overdue for my bike so glad to get started on it. 

1991 GL1500 SE Anniversary Edition
Sun Flare Gold Metallic
Vallant Brown Inset
Sun Flare Gold Metallic
Vallant Brown Inset
- CrystalPistol
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Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
YES …
… the ATF is thin enough that most all of it will drain anyway. Just put drain plug back ion after ATF drains. I usually will grab front brake and push bike with brake on to "pump" the forks a few extra spurts. I've done it & never had an issue. ATF is near 20wgt …. no harm.

- Happytrails
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2018 Ural Gearup
Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
So giving some thoughts on replacing my top fork caps to make it a bit easier to do oil changes. Should I purchase #29 or #29? I can't tell the difference except one says 305 and the other says 505. I dont think its a right and left thing is it? Or am I overthinking this and should stay with what I have and just deal with the oil changes?

1991 GL1500 SE Anniversary Edition
Sun Flare Gold Metallic
Vallant Brown Inset
Sun Flare Gold Metallic
Vallant Brown Inset
- CrystalPistol
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Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
I vote for #29.Happytrails wrote: ↑Wed Aug 07, 2019 2:52 pmSo giving some thoughts on replacing my top fork caps to make it a bit easier to do oil changes. Should I purchase #29 or #29? …![]()


- Rambozo
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Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
I say #58. (you need two after all.)CrystalPistol wrote: ↑Wed Aug 07, 2019 3:50 pmI vote for #29.Happytrails wrote: ↑Wed Aug 07, 2019 2:52 pmSo giving some thoughts on replacing my top fork caps to make it a bit easier to do oil changes. Should I purchase #29 or #29? …![]()
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And don't forget #62 for a pair of caps.




- Charlie1Horse
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1992 GL1500I Interstate
Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
1 - #29 and 1 - #31 for each side. Or else you could center punch and drill each existing plug and thread for a schrader valve. It's more work but, less expensive although you would still have to order the caps.
Russell
Those who say it cannot be done should try not to interrupt those who are doing it.
Russell
Those who say it cannot be done should try not to interrupt those who are doing it.
- WingAdmin
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Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
Yes, they are compatible.JohnUSA wrote: ↑Tue Aug 06, 2019 11:21 pmI've been reading the tutorials and, at least twice, have read to pour fork oil in to flush the tube.
I've ordered BelRay fork oil.
Can I use ATF fluid to do a flush, and then fill with the BelRay?
Are they compatible?
If I did the math correctly, one bottle of BelRay will do both tubes, but I don't want to end up short by using it to flush with. I have extra ATF on the shelf.
Thanks.
What I do is drain the old fluid, and flush with brake cleaner, which is a terrific solvent that will dissolve any accumulated sludge. I let that drain out, then flush again with a decent quantity fork oil or ATF or whatever, to make sure there is no brake cleaner left. Then replace the drain plug and fill the fork.
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Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
Happy- if you have not ordered a set of fork caps up, and you are not in a hurry, I might have a set you can have. I’m out of country until Saturday, though. Let me know.Happytrails wrote: ↑Wed Aug 07, 2019 2:52 pmSo giving some thoughts on replacing my top fork caps to make it a bit easier to do oil changes. Should I purchase #29 or #29? I can't tell the difference except one says 305 and the other says 505. I dont think its a right and left thing is it? Or am I overthinking this and should stay with what I have and just deal with the oil changes?![]()
48482809892_b2c52ef5f7_b.jpg
- Happytrails
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2018 Ural Gearup
Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
Thanks John, I didn't order caps yet. Finally got the bike back together tonite. It may have had ATF fluid in it and I replaced it with 10w fork oil. It feels softer.JohnUSA wrote: ↑Tue Aug 13, 2019 12:55 pmHappy- if you have not ordered a set of fork caps up, and you are not in a hurry, I might have a set you can have. I’m out of country until Saturday, though. Let me know.Happytrails wrote: ↑Wed Aug 07, 2019 2:52 pmSo giving some thoughts on replacing my top fork caps to make it a bit easier to do oil changes. Should I purchase #29 or #29? I can't tell the difference except one says 305 and the other says 505. I dont think its a right and left thing is it? Or am I overthinking this and should stay with what I have and just deal with the oil changes?![]()
48482809892_b2c52ef5f7_b.jpg
1991 GL1500 SE Anniversary Edition
Sun Flare Gold Metallic
Vallant Brown Inset
Sun Flare Gold Metallic
Vallant Brown Inset
- curtm
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Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
No need to buy different caps, just drill and tap to 1/8" NPT and go to tire palce and get adapters and screw in, i wrote a post on this a few months ago
Curt
Curt
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Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
Thanks John, I didn't order caps yet. Finally got the bike back together tonite. It may have had ATF fluid in it and I replaced it with 10w fork oil. It feels softer.Happy- if you have not ordered a set of fork caps up, and you are not in a hurry, I might have a set you can have. I’m out of country until Saturday, though. Let me know.
48539710106_77f80ee6f0_b.jpg
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[/quote]
I do have a set. They are yours for cost of shipping, if you still need/want them. They don't have the Schrader valves, by the way.
- Happytrails
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2018 Ural Gearup
Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
Whats the interval for fork oil changes every couple years or so?
1991 GL1500 SE Anniversary Edition
Sun Flare Gold Metallic
Vallant Brown Inset
Sun Flare Gold Metallic
Vallant Brown Inset
- bellboy40
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Re: Rebuild forks, flush before fill question
I don't see any interval for changing the fork fluid in the service manual. I think every 2-3 years would be a reasonable interval, provided you don't see any leaks in between.