Clutch Fluid

[Billyjack]

I have a 1999 Valk Interstate. I got on it earlier and had hardly any clutch. I  checked the reservoir and it's low. My question is....What clutch fluid should I use to bring it up to the right level?

[Hook#3287]

DOT 4 brake fluid.

[Chrisj CMA]

Unless you level the reservoir you will not be able to properly fill it.  Also the screws that hold the cover on will strip easily.  Tap a properly fitting driver in each screw as these are Japanese screw not standard Phillips.

[sandy]

Do a search for bleeding the clutch. Lots of tips. Get a Mity Vac at Harbor Freight to make the job easier.  I use Valvoline DOT 4 because it's clear like water when it's clean.

[Valkpilot]

I have a 1999 Valk Interstate. I got on it earlier and had hardly any clutch. I  checked the reservoir and it's low. My question is....What clutch fluid should I use to bring it up to the right level?

To me, the bigger question is, "Why is it low?"  It's a closed system and shouldn't lose fluid.  Either it was always under filled or there is a leak somewhere.

[Gideon]

I suggest you replace the Reservoir JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Screws with 4mm X 12mm chrome Allen Head Screws (after you bleed and top off both the reservoirs). You can purchase them at any ACE Hardware Store.   

[Hooter]

Drain all of it and start with fresh. Mighty Vac works well or go to a speed bleeder. Or, just use the stock one! Dot 4 is all you need. Turn your handle bars all the way to the right,  loosen the reservoir and move it up to where it is level and flat. Snug it back down. Cover your tank to protect it should you spill.  Now remove the cover. Take the little wafer out. Put a roughly 4' piece of clear plastic tubing on the bleeder putting the open end in a container.  Fill the reservoir , bleed it till almost empty. Fill and repeat never quite emptying the reservoir.  Do this until the fluid is clear and no bubbles can be seen when pumping the lever in the tubing. When pumping the clutch lever don't fully depress it. When satisfied, don't over fill, you have to put the little white wafer back in.  It's just like manually bleeding car brakes only using your hand. Keep an eye on the level. If it stays put you are good. If it drops you may have an issue? There is a dimple in your handle bar to realign your reservoir.

[cookiedough]

yah, the clutch fluid can never get totally full to the very, very top even after tipping handlebars to the right all the way, will still be at a slight angle.  I questioned that as well since is about 3/4's full of fluid showing in that round window.   No idea how you can get it totally full to the brim/very top since moving handlebars any way is not fully level for clutch fluid filling it up

[Jess from VA]

Turn the bars to the lock, then (just barely) loosen up the control/reservoir mount and twist it until it is level. (remember to put it back)