clutch fluid change

[Wewaman]

Got a question:
    the fluid on the (Clutch) left side is darker than the brake fluid (right side) can I take the cover off and use a turkey baster to draw out the old fluid and just add new fluid?  or should I open the line and let it gravity bleed? This is the clutch side. also do I just replace it with brake fluid Dot 3 / 4 ?   Thanks for all your help,

Wewaman

[Chrisj CMA]

remove the cover and suck out the old fluid (DO NOT TOUCH THE CLUTCH HANDLE UNTIL YOU GET FLUID BACK IN IT)

now get a clean cloth and a q-tip and clean the inside of the master cylinder.

next LOOK AT THE COVER it tells you which fluid to use (Dot 4)

then fill it with fresh fluid.

Now look under the tank there is a chrome tube sticking up with a bleeder on it, thats for the clutch.  attach plastic tubing run it into a jar with some fluid in it and then do the sqeeze open....close release thing until clear fluid starts coming out.   make sure to keep an eye on the master cylinder so it doesnt run dry

Top it off and re seal the top and thats it


PS cover all paint with towels or blankets to prevent damage from brake fluid

It also helps to turn the handlebars to where the master cylinder is as level as you can get it

[Wewaman]

WOW GOD is GOOD  ,
    Thanks Chris-  as I was typing this up I was hoping that you would respond you seem to know the answers to most of the questions that are asked on this site.   I wiil certainly follow your instructions and again thanks for sharing your knowledge with those of us who are willing to learn...

Tony

[Chrisj CMA]

WOW GOD is GOOD  ,
    Thanks Chris-  as I was typing this up I was hoping that you would respond you seem to know the answers to most of the questions that are asked on this site.   I wiil certainly follow your instructions and again thanks for sharing your knowledge with those of us who are willing to learn...

Tony

Wow, thanks, and youre welcome. 

[tybme]

Chris's method works just fine - if you don't mind spending a few bucks there is a quicker and easier way to do it. I have not done this on my valkyrie yet but will be soon. I have used this method on my goldwing.
By a speed bleeder for the clutch system. Install. Now with the speed bleeder installed a clutch fluid change takes as little as 10 minutes to complete.
You just crack he speed bleeder open. Losen but don't remove the master cylinder lid until you need to add fluid.. Add a tube from the bleeder into a catch pan/jug. Pump the clutch until you can add fluid. Add new fluid to the master cylinder. once you see clear liquid coming out of the hose you are done. Finish topping off the fluid. Tighten the bleeder screw and you are done.
Great for brake fluid changes to.

[XXTi]

Replace the fluid in the MC reservoir as noted above.  Get a Mity Vac and pull fluid from the bleeder until you get fresh fluid.  Be sure to keep your reservoir topped off as you bleed.

[Wewaman]

Well after about 30 min. I am done. Thanks again Chris.   Well it started raining as I was working and it's still raining so no ride yet , but 5:45 am. comes soon enough.  Ok I have another Question: Brakes-
Now that the clutch has clean new fluid the brake fluid looks a little yellow...  So can I suck out the old , clean the master cylinder as before refill then bleed the rear first then move to the front keeping an eye on the fluid?

Again thanks to all for your help it is very appreciated,

Tony

[JC]

By a speed bleeder for the clutch system. Install. Now with the speed bleeder installed a clutch fluid change takes as little as 10 minutes to complete.

Great for brake fluid changes to.

+1 on the speed bleeders all around

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Brake-and-Clutch-Speed-Bleeders-Valkyrie-97-03-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3f0a555a3cQQitemZ270756305468QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Wewaman]

hey thanks for the link I really didn't understand what they were but now I want some.
Tony

[Chrisj CMA]

Well after about 30 min. I am done. Thanks again Chris.   Well it started raining as I was working and it's still raining so no ride yet , but 5:45 am. comes soon enough.  Ok I have another Question: Brakes-
Now that the clutch has clean new fluid the brake fluid looks a little yellow...  So can I suck out the old , clean the master cylinder as before refill then bleed the rear first then move to the front keeping an eye on the fluid?

Again thanks to all for your help it is very appreciated,

Tony

Yes you can use the same for the brakes except the rear brake has its own master cylinder.  THe rear M/C is bolted to the transmission on the right side near the oil fill

On the front brakes you should bleed the farthest caliper from the m/c first

[Wewaman]

  AGAIN THANK YOU

[Earl in Pensacola]

Are those "speed bleeders" $28.00 EACH??  Or, $28.00 for a set of three?

[Earl in Pensacola]

Thanx!!  I have a "mity-Vac", but these look like they'll make the job even easier!

[Wewaman]

well i just finished bleeding the clutch and brakes and there are 2 bleeders on the front brakes 1 bleeder on the rear brake and 1 bleeder for the clutch so you really need 4 speed bleeders.  Thanks again for all the info.  ready for another ride tomorrow!

  Tony

[The Anvil]

For my own experience a mity-vac is easier than speed bleeders.

Be sure annd take Chris's advice and remove the old fluid before bleeding. There's no reason to suck old, contaminated fluid into the lines before adding fresh stuff but I've seen people do it.