Bleeding clutch, all air

[spudwa]

My new to me 2000 ST1100 had a clutch lever with about 2cm of play in it. Changing gear was fine and no big clunk engaging first gear when stationary BUT I wanted to fix it!

Just using the normal method, pull clutch lever and hold, crack nipple, let out air/fluid, close nipple, release lever. Seemed like it was working a treat as air came BUT it kept coming out EVERY pull of the clutch lever and now there is no pressure at the lever :-(

So I thought I'd try the lazy way and open the nipple and just let it self bleed but nothing comes out!

I removed the lever and it looks like some of the slackness was caused by the clutch piston not returning 100% which might suggest dirt in the bore or a weak return spring.

Any ideas to get me going while I order a seal kit (recommendations for where to buy kit appreciated)

[Brock]

You may need to remove the slave cylinder, and give it a good clean out. Old fluid can get a bit gummy. Go to Repco etc, and get a cheap bleed bottle, that will help with getting all the air out. A properly bled system will have plenty of spring pressure.

[spudwa]

Fluid was changed recently. It's green and clear. I can see the bottom of the master cylinder

[Phil]

I rebuilt the master and slave cylinders a couple months ago. I used the all balls kits from fleabay. Links below. They work fine.
The amount of sludge I found was impressive. Not a hard job to do, a couple hours at best. My recommendation is dont cut corners.
I'm happy to try answer any questions.


https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/234809805567
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/313927338246

[spudwa]

An update

I saw another article on an ST site that showed a worn master cylinder rod and handle bar post that the rod fits into. So I found some rod the same diameter and cut a piece about 3mm in length and put it in the bottom of the handle bar post before the rod. Immediately I have clutch pressure.         Beer oclock here. More updates later

[spudwa]

Ok last update (I promise) I re-bleed the clutch now I've got full stroke of the piston and slightly shortened my "lengthener" in the clutch nipple and all is good. Soft click for first and I can get neutral at a standstill. Just happened across a video on you tube and the guy was talking about vacuum bleeding and how you not only suck fluid but you can also suck air from around the nipple which may account for my forever bubbles as my bleeding nipple is definitely on the loose side.

It's been an interesting first week of ownership

New piston rod and brake lever post ordered from Blue City Motorcycles (any good?)

[Shiney]

I've ordered a few parts through Blue City Motorcycles over the years without issue

Congrats on getting the issue worked out and thankyou for sharing, it'll potentially help others in the future


Cheers
Shiney

[STeveo]

I put a couple of wraps of thread tape around the bleed nipple threads to stop the air sucking and a zip tie or hose clamp over the plastic hose on the nipple when using the suction method.

[West Aussie Glen]

Ok last update (I promise) I re-bleed the clutch now I've got full stroke of the piston and slightly shortened my "lengthener" in the clutch nipple and all is good. Soft click for first and I can get neutral at a standstill. Just happened across a video on you tube and the guy was talking about vacuum bleeding and how you not only suck fluid but you can also suck air from around the nipple which may account for my forever bubbles as my bleeding nipple is definitely on the loose side.

It's been an interesting first week of ownership

New piston rod and brake lever post ordered from Blue City Motorcycles (any good?)

I assume you have someone helping, i.e. to operate the clutch lever.
Why not order from one of the Perth Honda dealers? Where do you live? I use Planet Honda. 

[spudwa]

Yup my pillion is my clutch squeezer. Didn't even think about local Perth Honda dealers, just went straight to the internet doh!

[West Aussie Glen]

Yup my pillion is my clutch squeezer. Didn't even think about local Perth Honda dealers, just went straight to the internet doh!

https://planethonda.com.au/