Rebuild forks, flush before fill question

[JohnUSA]

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.

[Happytrails]

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.

[CrystalPistol]

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?

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]

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?

[CrystalPistol]

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 vote for #29.

[Rambozo]

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 vote for #29.

I say #58. (you need two after all.)
And don't forget #62 for a pair of caps.

[Charlie1Horse]

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.

[WingAdmin]

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.

Yes, they are compatible.

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.

[JohnUSA]

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?

48482809892_b2c52ef5f7_b.jpg

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]

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?

48482809892_b2c52ef5f7_b.jpg

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.

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.

[curtm]

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

[JohnUSA]

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.

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.

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]

Whats the interval for fork oil changes every couple years or so?

[bellboy40]

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.