Author Topic: dot 5 clutch fluid  (Read 3894 times)

Offline daviddurtschi

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dot 5 clutch fluid
« on: August 20, 2015, 09:55:10 PM »
It's amazing how we all seem to eventually have the same type problems.  You all have helped me thru ECU tune, Oil level problems, loose battery connections, ethanol plugging up my injectors, sock on the fuel pump, belt too tight...I guess I could go on and on.  As always, Thanks!
Now I'm having the clutch fluid problem.  I've never checked the fluid until tonight and the reservoir is almost empty.  I have some Dot 5 to fill it up but it is purple and the little fluid in the reservoir is clear.  Think maybe the previous owner put the wrong type fluid in?  Or is some Dot 5 clear and others purple?  A google search looks like all dot 5 is purple.
Thinking I'll just bleed the whole system using the purple stuff.
Any thoughts?
David D
#1756  not sure what mods are done

Offline Donkey Hotey

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Re: dot 5 clutch fluid
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2015, 10:02:18 PM »
Yes, I've had both clear and purple DOT 5 fluid. The purple thing may be a new thing. Back when the bikes were new, I'm almost 100% positive DOT 5 was clear.

Does your bike have the updated clutch seals? It shouldn't be losing fluid anywhere.
Greg

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0738 since 2018 (Babe) 1940 since 2019 (Sinclair) 1555 since 2022 (Genesis)0315 since 2022 (Freedom)

Offline wytfut

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Re: dot 5 clutch fluid
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2015, 06:07:56 AM »
Ive used both clear and purple gthrew the years.
I agree with greg... it shouldnt be leaking...anywhere.
Problem with the clutch it could leak inside primary and you wouldnt know it. DOT 5 and motor oil do not work well together.

As jumper said a while back... with the age of our bikes we should be flushing all of our hydraulic systems... anyways.
Bruce
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Offline wytfut

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Re: dot 5 clutch fluid
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2015, 06:10:54 AM »
Also thankyou for the kudos... I believe evryone here is here for the same reason......
To help each other out with these glorious machines...
And thats why we are here
Bruce
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Offline daviddurtschi

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Re: dot 5 clutch fluid
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2015, 07:35:51 AM »
I don't know if I've had the o ring update but I'm guessing no.  I also don't know if the level has ever been checked as I just got the bike back.  I'll top it off with the purple dot 5 I have and bleed the system, then just keep an eye on the level.  If it goes down, I'll know I don't have the o ring update.
I think the biggest thing I have done to this great machine so far is the tighten the positive battery connection.  Pretty sure that is why I got the bike back!
David
#1756  not sure what mods are done

Berlin Bob

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Re: dot 5 clutch fluid
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2015, 07:34:42 PM »
I had a problem of the clutch low level...come to find out there was a pin hole leak in the weld at the elbow inside the primary ...I found out by chance of changing the oil ....so i took off primary and pull ed in clutch     ...wala... dere it be ....bubbling out.... good thing i didn't  ride the bike a long time  ...i pulled out down the road and clutch went got back to garage and did my thing

berlin  bob

Offline wytfut

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Re: dot 5 clutch fluid
« Reply #6 on: August 24, 2015, 08:41:00 PM »
Dont anyone believe that changing your "O" rings once will save it for the rest of you life... It wont.

Heat will do its damage over time to those Vitron O rings. Im on my second set at 35k miles.

And heres more food for thought David... Of all the hydraulics on our Xs... The clutch is the trickiest.
Ive done several different Xs, and one will be a snap and the next will take over an hour. I do not understand what the issue is... But they are different bike to bike.

And heres one more..... david when bleeding that fluid.... Look at it. If Its coming out a bit chunky someone may have used the wrong brake fluid in the past. If thats the case they will not mix, and 3 will break down the rubber inside out hydraulic systems....

Whew... Am i gabby to nite
Bruce
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Offline Jumper

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Re: dot 5 clutch fluid
« Reply #7 on: August 25, 2015, 03:40:20 PM »
You're Gabby??!! I thought you were Bruce...Hehehehe... ;D

Jumper