Clutch won't bleed fluid

[SmokinRZ]

Hello, recently purchased a used and abused 2012 Tenere and was bleeding all the lines when I got the clutch and pull the lever and no fluid comes out. No big deal, I removed the bleeder screw and cleared it out. Still no fluid, so I remove the bleeder screw entirely and pull the lever and still no fluid. I've never seen anything like this.

I know it's time to take the slave off and clean it out but I was just curious if this has happened to anyone else? Lucky for me the clutch still works fine.

 

[SkunkWorks]

I ran into this exact same thing when I installed a longer clutch line.
I scratched my head over it for the same reasons you are.
What I did in the end worked. I removed the pivot-bolt for the clutch lever and removed the lever. This allowed the piston to retract far enough in the bore to open up the port. This allowed fluid to flow down the line to the slave cylinder. I could then bleed the clutch system properly.
I am not sure why this is like that, because I have the factory clutch master and lever setup? But this is what worked for me.

 

[SmokinRZ]

I can understand if you have air in the lines, my clutch works perfectly with good feel. Just for reference, I bled my buddies 2013 at the same time with no issues. My bike has 40K miles and I'm not sure it had ever been changed.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Just got done bleeding brakes and clutch a few minutes ago. I find the clutch on the Tenere to have an extra challenge even using my Mityvac. Both times I've done it, I've requested the wife to assist.

The reservoir is so small that it is very easy to suck in air. Once that happens, I cannot operate the Mitvac fast enough and keep it filled to get all the air out. Wife standing there keeping it filled, while I vigorously operate the migtyvac is the only way around it. Even then, after closing the bleed screw, it took a good number of clutch squeezes to get all the air out.

I remember I had exactly the same situation when I did it on my wife's old 2017 Tenere.

Mityvac link

 

[escapefjrtist]

I've found the clutch will gravity bleed. Seal the end of the bleeder hose in fluid, keep the [very-small] reservoir full and no issues getting as firm clutch.

~G

 

[Madscrapper85]

I've had a lot luck reverse bleeding slave cylinders I even do it to cars now. I picked up a syringe from tractor supply for horse meds holds like 200ML fill it with brake fluid and fill the tube till there is no air in line and just push the new up and suck the old out with a turkey baster or a vac. Can do non abs brakes as well, some say you can do abs but I'm not a huge fan of that thought.

 

[WJBertrand]

I've found the clutch will gravity bleed. Seal the end of the bleeder hose in fluid, keep the [very-small] reservoir full and no issues getting as firm clutch.

~G

Just leave the lever out I guess?

 

[escapefjrtist]

Just leave the lever out I guess?

Yup, discovered this by accident. Left the bleeder open (with sealed hose end) and damned near ran the reservoir dry. Was close to sucking air. Funny thing, my FJR has never once done this while bleeding...

~G

 

[SmokinRZ]

I just read where someone else had blockage so bad they had to remove the bleeder screw. I wonder if I could clear the passage way under the bleeder screw with a paper clip or something. I hate to remove a perfectly good working slave cylinder.


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[SmokinRZ]

Incase anyone searches this and wants to know. I removed the bleeder screw today and used a paper clip to clear out the hole, once I punched through the fluid came gushing out. I bled several reservoir cups of fluid to try and clear all the junk out. Not sure how successful I was but at least I have clean fluid now.

 

[2daMax]

While at it, it is good to dismantle the slave pump, clean it out n lube the seals with brake fluid. I found it was less effort to depress the lever after this. Ditto the pain of the small reservoir. I had air sucked in a couple of times due to impatience.