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Grey Clutch Fluid

Started by Grappa, June 12, 2008, 06:54:04 PM

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Grappa

June 12, 2008, 06:54:04 PM
A few weeks ago I had noticed that my clutch fluid reservoir was looking kind of grey.  I bought a mighty vac, and proceeded to flush out the line and reservoir with a full 12 oz bottle of fluid, till it was looking clean and pristine.  Went on a 120 mile ride last Sunday, and today, few days later, I am noticing that my fluid is starting to look grey again.  WTF?   [bang]    Any ideas as to what may be the problem?

2001 M900 i.e. dry clutch  21,000 miles
Ahh... but the servant waits, while the master baits.

Sometimes Aloha means Goodbye.

Slide Panda

#1
June 12, 2008, 07:09:25 PM
Ever replace the rubber gasket in your res?  If not... I'd bet that's the source of your grey stuff. 
-Throttle's on the right, so are the brakes.  Good luck.
- '00 M900S with all the farkles
- '08 KTM 690 StupidMoto
- '07 Triumph 675 Track bike.

Grappa

#2
June 12, 2008, 07:16:12 PM
Quote from: yuu on June 12, 2008, 07:09:25 PM
Ever replace the rubber gasket in your res?  If not... I'd bet that's the source of your grey stuff. 


When I flushed the fluid, I took out the gasket and gave it a good wipe down.  The material did not seem to be old or corroded or falling apart in any way.  Still very...rubbery.
Ahh... but the servant waits, while the master baits.

Sometimes Aloha means Goodbye.

johnster

#3
June 12, 2008, 07:19:10 PM Last Edit: June 12, 2008, 07:20:55 PM by Johnster
Did you just get the bike?

-Reason I ask is because it's completely normal IMO, if what you're seeing is expected darkening (absorbtion of particulates + normal viscocity breakdown)... Most people's clutch fluid turns black (just like oil does) after some time....Check out mine after just 1100 miles from the last time I bled + changed it (last fall)...I wouldn't worry about it... [coffee]

2001 MS4; Full Termi w/airbox, ECU, SPS cams, CycleCat ClipOn Adapters, Apex clip-ons, CRG's, MW open clutch, Sargent Saddle, CF aplenty.. NOT RIDEABLE FOR A LONG TIME DUE TO MY STUPID LACK OF JUDGEMENT!!

Grappa

#4
June 12, 2008, 07:27:21 PM
Quote from: Johnster on June 12, 2008, 07:19:10 PM
Did you just get the bike?

-Reason I ask is because it's completely normal IMO, if what you're seeing is expected darkening (absorbtion of particulates + normal viscocity breakdown)... Most people's clutch fluid turns black (just like oil does) after some time....Check out mine after just 1100 miles from the last time I bled + changed it (last fall)...I wouldn't worry about it... [coffee]




I purchased the bike used with 18,500 miles.  It now has 21,000.  I figured the fluid would break down a bit, but I just flushed the lines last week and have only gone on one long ride since.  And I mean I REALLY flushed it out.  After the grey went away, I continued flushing, ending up using the whole 12 oz. bottle of fluid.  I used Castrol GTLMA dot 3/4 brake fluid.
Ahh... but the servant waits, while the master baits.

Sometimes Aloha means Goodbye.

Howie

#5
June 12, 2008, 07:47:10 PM
Clutch fluid turning black is a common occurrence.  Many theories why exist, but that is what they are, theories.  Change your fluid once a year, ignore the color, ride, be happy ;D

johnster

#6
June 12, 2008, 08:04:06 PM
Quote from: howie on June 12, 2008, 07:47:10 PM
Clutch fluid turning black is a common occurrence.  Many theories why exist, but that is what they are, theories.  Change your fluid once a year, ignore the color, ride, be happy ;D

+1....   [thumbsup]

Honest to God, when I first got my Duc, I was SO paranoid about every little thing that seemed out of sorts or "different / wrong" as opposed to the Jap bikes + 2-strokes I had ridden in the past, but as cliche' as it sounds, there is some truth in the statement;

It's a Ducati... They do that...     ;D
2001 MS4; Full Termi w/airbox, ECU, SPS cams, CycleCat ClipOn Adapters, Apex clip-ons, CRG's, MW open clutch, Sargent Saddle, CF aplenty.. NOT RIDEABLE FOR A LONG TIME DUE TO MY STUPID LACK OF JUDGEMENT!!

Speeddog

#7
June 12, 2008, 08:41:24 PM
It's particulates.

Let your bike sit for a while, and they settle out onto the bottom of the reservoir.

There is no cure that I've heard of.
- - - - - Valley Desmo Service - - - - -
Reseda, CA
(951) 640-8908

~~~ "We've rearranged the deck chairs, refilled the champagne glasses, and the band sounds great. This is fine." - Alberto Puig ~~~

Howie

#8
June 13, 2008, 04:41:49 AM
Another "Ducatis do that" syndrome.  My buddy has an old R1 with a hydraulic clutch that turns clutch fluid black.  Aprillias and Guzzis use Brembo hydraulic parts, so I imagine they do it too.  My theory is the black comes from the non anodized aluminum bores in the cylinders.  Some believe it is from heat, some debris from the seals.  Kind of amazing no one has analyzed the particles.

NvrSummer

#9
June 13, 2008, 07:28:07 AM
Quote from: howie on June 13, 2008, 04:41:49 AM
Another "Ducatis do that" syndrome.  My buddy has an old R1 with a hydraulic clutch that turns clutch fluid black.  Aprillias and Guzzis use Brembo hydraulic parts, so I imagine they do it too.  My theory is the black comes from the non anodized aluminum bores in the cylinders.  Some believe it is from heat, some debris from the seals.  Kind of amazing no one has analyzed the particles.

I've heard it's from the heat too.  No worries though!  I kinda like it.  Looks better than the whiz quiz cup on the other side!
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