Speed Bleeder - Clutch

[Hooter]

I put a speed bleeder in line to bleed the clutch. Supposed to make life easier. As for use, it does. As for end result the clutch seems to be less. I never let the fluid get to low and attached about 4' of clear plastic hose run into a pan.

I opened the bleeder around half a turn and slowly depressed the clutch lever several times. No bubbles so I snugged it down. Topped off the fluid and put the master cylinder back where it belonged.

Seems now I have less clutch than I did when I started. What did I do wrong?  I consider myself a good mechanic and this has me baffled. Does the rate or speed you depress or let the lever out matter? Suggestions...

[bikerboy1951]

I have put the speed bleeders on a couple of bikes (brakes and clutch bleeders) and never had an issue.  I would try running more fluid through the clutch system from the reservoir and would be surprised that there would be any problems after doing so.
Also, are you sure that the clutch works (pulls) differently after installation of the speed bleeder?

Brad

[Hooter]

The lever feels the same to me. The bike was a neglected child when I got it and this is the last thing I wanted to do. Initially I used a Mighty Vac with good results. The Vac is  effective but thought the Speed Bleeder to be less hassle,  and it is.

I thought I had any air gone but maybe not?  I'll run another reservoir full through and see what shakes out. I have the bleeders for the brakes as well, ordered them all. Yes, I have the right one in line.

[Ricky-D]

When bleeding a hydraulic system you should never pump the pedal/lever except to build up pressure. Upon adequate pressure being produced you should then open the bleeder valve slightly to release the pressure sending the hydraulic fluid out of the system, hopefully with any air bubbles that may have accumulated. Immediately then, without any movement of the pedal/lever, such as releasing, close the bleeder valve to stop any fluid release. Repeat the step if air is still detected in the system.

Pumping the pedal/lever with the bleeder valve open can and will reintroduce air back into the system.

Speed bleeders are not full-proof and are subject to failure quite readily.

***

[Daviddurtschi]

I've had this problem with a Suzuki and found that I had to rotate the handle bars to be sure the master cylinder is the highest point in the line.  Before it was slightly lower than the line right out of the cylinder.  When I rotated it, I saw some bubbles appear.  Just a thought
David