Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[AXIL]

that will work on dot5 front brake systems , it does not work on the air in the system but resets the brake pistins,
(sometimes). the problem with the clutch (be it dot5 or dot4)  is air with dot5 or water with dot4, bleed the system
and..... check the reservoir level!! if there is still a problem let us know we'll try to help.   

                                                                                    axil

[hd-dude]

the hydro clutch is not bled the same way as brakes. per the manual you pump the lever 5 times and hold it closed. then open the bleeder valve. close the valve when the fluid stops. repeat until your hand hurts.....

[Twolanerider]

the hydro clutch is not bled the same way as brakes. per the manual you pump the lever 5 times and hold it closed. then open the bleeder valve. close the valve when the fluid stops. repeat until your hand hurts.....

For real?  Five pumps and hold?  Not sure I'm glad I never read the manual or not.  Have had reason to bleed the red bike's two or three times and never followed the directions.   

[hd-dude]

from the service manual supplement:......

[Twolanerider]

Wasn't doubting you a bit Jim.  Though I still can't think of a particular rationale for the multiple pumps.  Pressurized should be pressurized.  Full of air can understand the several pumps to get started.  That's normal brake bleeding too.  But just finishing off a nearly bled system.......?

That's ok.  Someone got paid to develop that process and get it published.  So I'll pump five times as my way to support the economy.








(ok, no, I really won't, but it sounds good to say you're supporting something)

[skiindean]

IF there is "air" in the line and I bleed it out...what is the effect on where the clutch "grabs"...will it make it grab a little sooner like when I first got the bike ? Will I notice any difference? Today is my bike's 1st birthday 15,345 miles...and it's my first Harley. Dean

[hd-dude]

Wasn't doubting you a bit Jim.  Though I still can't think of a particular rationale for the multiple pumps.  Pressurized should be pressurized.  Full of air can understand the several pumps to get started.  That's normal brake bleeding too.  But just finishing off a nearly bled system.......?

That's ok.  Someone got paid to develop that process and get it published.  So I'll pump five times as my way to support the economy.



(ok, no, I really won't, but it sounds good to say you're supporting something)

The reason for the 5 times pump is the hydro clutch does not push very much fluid at all in a single pump. Ever notice the difference in how much fluid comes out compared to the brake bleeder? I am not sure but I think it has to do with the secondary cylinder inside the tranny side cover.

[grc]

IF there is "air" in the line and I bleed it out...what is the effect on where the clutch "grabs"...will it make it grab a little sooner like when I first got the bike ? Will I notice any difference? Today is my bike's 1st birthday 15,345 miles...and it's my first Harley. Dean

Nope, just the opposite.  Air in the lines will require more travel of the clutch lever to release the clutch, and it would engage earlier (closer to the grip) when you release it.  This is not what you want, as it will also cause clutch drag and harder shifting.

Jerry

[skiindean]

Got it and thanks for the clarification from all. I ain't touchin anything...just gonna ride
Dean

[Twolanerider]

The reason for the 5 times pump is the hydro clutch does not push very much fluid at all in a single pump. Ever notice the difference in how much fluid comes out compared to the brake bleeder? I am not sure but I think it has to do with the secondary cylinder inside the tranny side cover.

Now that you mention it....  Not a lot of fluid per pump.

I do the damn clutch in a contortionist's pose anyway.  Don't dare let anyone in the garage to watch while I'm doing so they can't quickly take a picture.  Left hand on the lever.  Laying across the seat.  Right hand on wrench on the bleeder.  Pump.  Open bleeder.  Close bleeder.  Release lever.  Then just like shampoo, rinse and repeat. 

Can't ever pull any air back in that way.  So even with the minimal fluid traveling it still doesn't take very long to clear out a circuit.  I'd just never thought of "pumping up" a circuit that didn't feel too soft to begin with.  Will have to try it next time and see if it clears things out more quickly. 

[Hoist!]

Now that you mention it....  Not a lot of fluid per pump.

I do the damn clutch in a contortionist's pose anyway.  Don't dare let anyone in the garage to watch while I'm doing so they can't quickly take a picture.  Left hand on the lever.  Laying across the seat.  Right hand on wrench on the bleeder.  Pump.  Open bleeder.  Close bleeder.  Release lever.  Then just like shampoo, rinse and repeat. 

Can't ever pull any air back in that way.  So even with the minimal fluid traveling it still doesn't take very long to clear out a circuit.  I'd just never thought of "pumping up" a circuit that didn't feel too soft to begin with.  Will have to try it next time and see if it clears things out more quickly. 

How do ya hold the beer then?

Hoist!

[Twolanerider]

How do ya hold the beer then?

Hoist!

One of those hats with the straws that come down.  Never have to stop working to take a sip .

[Hoist!]

One of those hats with the straws that come down.  Never have to stop working to take a sip .

Aha!

Hoist!

[skiindean]

Went riding today with a friend...mentioned to him how my clutch lever is now "broken in" after 15K, but that I think it still goes out too far, a good inch+ before it grabs as compared to when I furst got it and it grabbed within 1/4 inch of release...huge difference.  He said that the HD hydraulic cluthch has "springs", something about them being behind the derby cover, and that I probably wore them out horsing around, and they can easily be replaced. I told him the actual clutch plates are fine, have no slippage whatsoever when hammering the throttle.......so, does that sound right gang? I haven't a clue
Dean

[grc]

Went riding today with a friend...mentioned to him how my clutch lever is now "broken in" after 15K, but that I think it still goes out too far, a good inch+ before it grabs as compared to when I furst got it and it grabbed within 1/4 inch of release...huge difference.  He said that the HD hydraulic cluthch has "springs", something about them being behind the derby cover, and that I probably wore them out horsing around, and they can easily be replaced. I told him the actual clutch plates are fine, have no slippage whatsoever when hammering the throttle.......so, does that sound right gang? I haven't a clue
Dean

The Harley clutch, hydraulic or cable, has one diaphram spring that applies pressure to the clutch pack.  If the spring was shot, it would manifest itself as slippage.  While such slippage could possibly give you the impression of a later engagement due to the less abrupt action, it would also create slippage under heavy load.  Since you indicated you have no slippage, it's unlikely your spring is shot.  However, since the spring is relatively cheap ($30) and it's quite easy to replace I suppose you could replace it to ease your mind.

Jerry