Clutch

[DIGGER]

Slack in clutch lever.   Clutch lever almost all the way in before disengaging.     Any adjustment anywhere?

[Bighead]

Dont think so.

[JimBob]

Hi Digger!

The Valk has a hydraulic clutch actuator.
My guess is that there is some air in the clutch line (tube).
You can bleed the clutch line, just like a brake line.
The bleed nipple is roughly on the bike centerline, above the rear of the transmission housing. There is a tube sticking up with the bleed nipple on the end of it.
There's probably a bunch of posts regarding the proper procedure.

I hope this helps!

Jim

[RWhitehouse]

The hydraulic clutch is self-adjusting, just like hydraulic brakes are. It works the exact same way.  Air in the system will make the lever mushy.

As said the bleed nipple is on the left side, look just above and inboard of the alternator cover.  Use the exact same procedure for bleeding brakes.

If it's slowly gotten worse over time, the master cylinder may need to be rebuilt. Not difficult or expensive and kits to do so are readily available aftermarket or get the parts from Honda. Check the slave for any leaks- it's on the center rear of the engine, directly in front of the rear tire. If there's any moisture, rebuild the slave also.

[pancho]

When I had that problem DIGGER, it was the slave leaking. Look at the slave on the clutch cover under the bike, if it is leaking, it will probably be visible running down the case,,, making a mess of the silver paint Honda used on that cover!!

Check the fluid level in the master cylinder to see if it is down,, if so it is leaking somewhere, if not you are probably sucking air in the master.

[flash2002]

There is a bushing in the lever that can be worn out and causing the problem. If that's not the problem, take the master and slave apart and clean and rebuild that way you know all is good.

[Valker]

Sludge in the master cylinder can also cause this.

[Jersey]

Good practice is to replace all of the hydraulic fluids (Front/Rear Brakes & Clutch) every two years.  Flush the system with fresh fluid until they run like new.

[DIGGER]

Thanks for all the information

[Big Rig]

So not flushing the clutch system in 19 years is a bad thing??? 

[Hook#3287]

So not flushing the clutch system in 19 years is a bad thing??? 

Not yet it seems

[MarkT]

There is a bushing in the lever that can be worn out and causing the problem. If that's not the problem, take the master and slave apart and clean and rebuild that way you know all is good.

That bushing is brass.  I've found it worn elliptical and dry.  Periodic lube will extend it's life.

[pancho]

So not flushing the clutch system in 19 years is a bad thing??? 

Dumped this out of a GW front brake.

[DIGGER]

checked reservoir and it is a little down.    no leaks I can see under the bike.    what do you use for clutch reservoir oil?

[The emperor has no clothes]

checked reservoir and it is a little down.    no leaks I can see under the bike.    what do you use for clutch reservoir oil?

brake fluid Dot 3

[DIGGER]

checked reservoir and it is a little down.    no leaks I can see under the bike.    what do you use for clutch reservoir oil?

brake fluid Dot 3

Thanks

[Chrisj CMA]

checked reservoir and it is a little down.    no leaks I can see under the bike.    what do you use for clutch reservoir oil?

brake fluid Dot 3

Thanks

Valkyrie brakes and clutch take dot 4. Just in case this is for a Valkyrie

[The emperor has no clothes]

checked reservoir and it is a little down.    no leaks I can see under the bike.    what do you use for clutch reservoir oil?

brake fluid Dot 3

Thanks

Valkyrie brakes and clutch take dot 4. Just in case this is for a Valkyrie

oops

[DIGGER]

Got it.   Dot 4.   Thanks.  Havent bought the fluid yet

[indybobm]

A lot of places do not have Dot 4 fluid. They have Dot 3 & 4 fluid. Walmart, autozone, etc.

[98valk]

Got it.   Dot 4.   Thanks.  Havent bought the fluid yet

get the new DOT 4 LV. Last longer has a higher wet boiling point.  better consistent feel wider range of temps. used in the brakes provides a very firm feel.

[9Ball]

checked reservoir and it is a little down.    no leaks I can see under the bike.    what do you use for clutch reservoir oil?

brake fluid Dot 3

Thanks

Valkyrie brakes and clutch take dot 4. Just in case this is for a Valkyrie

DOT 3/4 is ok.  Never DOT 5.

DOT 3 and 4 or a product compatible labeled 3/4 are all ok.  Synpower 3/4 is what I use in all my bikes and I flush mine every year using speedbleeders.  Makes it an easy job.  I have a mityvac too that works well on new hydraulic lines to get all the air bubbles out.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-DOT-3-and-4-Brake-Fluid-12-oz/19897940?wmlspartner=wmtlabs&adid=22222222222024362561&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=t&wl3=10359513921&wl4=pla-4578847476194648&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&%20wl10=Walmart&wl12=19897940_10000002955&wl14=valvoline%20synpower%20brake%20fluid&veh=sem&msclkid=62f77881e2ae1f30cda3248cfc2b4da2

Advance Auto or Autozone has it much cheaper than Walmart.

[Jersey]

Got it.   Dot 4.   Thanks.  Havent bought the fluid yet

get the new DOT 4 LV. Last longer has a higher wet boiling point.  better consistent feel wider range of temps. used in the brakes provides a very firm feel.

Not knowing much about the impact of viscosity of brake fluid on actual use here's some interesting stuff I found.  Thought others might appreciate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdnSlBG71G4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpMcG3WiN8M

[Valker]

Got it.   Dot 4.   Thanks.  Havent bought the fluid yet

get the new DOT 4 LV. Last longer has a higher wet boiling point.  better consistent feel wider range of temps. used in the brakes provides a very firm feel.

Not knowing much about the impact of viscosity of brake fluid on actual use here's some interesting stuff I found.  Thought others might appreciate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdnSlBG71G4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpMcG3WiN8M

The different types (DOT 3, 4, 4.1, etc) doesn't mean their viscosity, but just what the formulation is. DOT 5 and 5.1 is synthetic and can't mix with the others.

[Jersey]

Got it.   Dot 4.   Thanks.  Havent bought the fluid yet

get the new DOT 4 LV. Last longer has a higher wet boiling point.  better consistent feel wider range of temps. used in the brakes provides a very firm feel.

Not knowing much about the impact of viscosity of brake fluid on actual use here's some interesting stuff I found.  Thought others might appreciate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdnSlBG71G4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpMcG3WiN8M

The different types (DOT 3, 4, 4.1, etc) doesn't mean their viscosity, but just what the formulation is. DOT 5 and 5.1 is synthetic and can't mix with the others.

From what I researched, each of these do have different viscosity and ONLY the DOT 5 is different and can't be mixed.  Apparently the 5.1 is Glycol and can be mixed with the others.  At least this is what found in my research, but I could be wrong.

[ridingron]

The story we got at work was that 3 & 4 were interchangeable. 4 has a higher boiling point.

[Jersey]

The story we got at work was that 3 & 4 were interchangeable. 4 has a higher boiling point.

Checking the Federal Regulations DOT 3, 4, & 5.1 are NON-Silicone based and can be mixed.  Only DOT 5 is Silicone based and can't be mixed with the others.  Interesting reading: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.116

[Valker]

The story we got at work was that 3 & 4 were interchangeable. 4 has a higher boiling point.

Checking the Federal Regulations DOT 3, 4, & 5.1 are NON-Silicone based and can be mixed.  Only DOT 5 is Silicone based and can't be mixed with the others.  Interesting reading: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.116

Thanks for clearing that up.

[98valk]

All brake fluid is synthetic and has been for a long time.

[indybobm]

And then there is this. Is it closer to DOT 3 or DOT 4? I would guess DOT 4.

[JimBob]

Hmmmm..... How come every time there is something simple and it works...... someone has to come along and make it complicated?

[98valk]

highest wet boiling point is best to use.  ATE and Motul come to mind as highest but very $$$

https://www.lelandwest.com/brake-fluid-comparison-chart.cfm   

http://www.stealth316.com/2-brakefluid.htm

http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/brake-fluid

I've been using Pentosin DOT 4 LV.   which comes in metal cans except for the plastic cap.

http://www.pentosin.net/specsheets/Pentosin_Dot4_LV.pdf
http://www.pentosin.net/f_brakefluid.asp

[DIGGER]

Ok....not being much of a mechanic I took my Valkyrie with the clutch problem to Honda of Houston to get  the clutch problem repaired.    They found the clutch lever worn, the bushing in the clutch lever disentigrated and very eliptical.   They replaced these parts, flushed out the old clutch fluid and put in new,   also put in 6 new sparkplugs.   1 1/2 hr wait, $298.00 and I was out the door with a new clutch feel.

[9Ball]

All brake fluid is synthetic and has been for a long time.

That's absolutely true...man made.

[flash2002]

Ok....not being much of a mechanic I took my Valkyrie with the clutch problem to Honda of Houston to get  the clutch problem repaired.    They found the clutch lever worn, the bushing in the clutch lever disentigrated and very eliptical.   They replaced these parts, flushed out the old clutch fluid and put in new,   also put in 6 new sparkplugs.   1 1/2 hr wait, $298.00 and I was out the door with a new clutch feel.

Told you so, that was my first guess.

[DIGGER]

I want to thank everybody for your thoughts and ideas with my clutch problem    it helped understand my problem and was able to talk to the dealer service dept about the problem.    Honda of Houston is a goo dealership.   I recommend them   

[pancho]

1 1/2 hr wait, $298.00  As long as you're happy DIGGER

[98valk]

Ok....not being much of a mechanic I took my Valkyrie with the clutch problem to Honda of Houston to get  the clutch problem repaired.    They found the clutch lever worn, the bushing in the clutch lever disentigrated and very eliptical.   They replaced these parts, flushed out the old clutch fluid and put in new,   also put in 6 new sparkplugs.   1 1/2 hr wait, $298.00 and I was out the door with a new clutch feel.

many on the GW GL1500 sites indicate that the clutch fluid cannot be completely flushed out and they recommend to actually pulling the slave cylinder off and cleaning it out. however after many yrs of not even flushing the system at all.