Clutch Issue

[deperk1941]

I had not been able to ride for about six months. When I did my clutch would not disengage fully. I was told I could bleed the clutch slave by pumping the clutch lever. This took care of the problem. Two weeks later I went for a ride and about 20 mile later the clutch started slipping. I started for home and by the time I got home it was completely disengaged. It would not pull at all. I checked the fluid, it was a little low but not much. ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS???

[Mr Jensee]

It is entirely possible you have air in the hose coming from the master cylinder down to clutch case. I bought a speed bleeder valve just for that reason because once you crack the OEM bleeder air can enter it since it is not a one way only valve. Speed Bleeders are cheap, about $7 and once installed on the hydraulic lines make bleeding and purging much easier. I have them on all the brake calipers and the master cylinder and have not had an issue with air in the line.

[chicagorandy]

What thread size or part number bleeder? I've seen two different sizes online?

Thanks

[voyager55]

http://speedbleeder.com/Motorcycle%20Sizes.htm#Kawasaki" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mr Jensee]

go to speedbleeders.com and you can list your bike and it will tell you which bleeders to order. The front and rear brakes use the same one. The only different number will be the one for the clutch. SB7100S for the brakes, SB8125 for the clutch.

[chicagorandy]

Per that chart at speedbleeders it would appear that prior to 01 all models used the 8125L ?

And that there are two bleeders on the rear brakes as well as two needed for the fronts?

So a total of 5 bleeders are needed for my '86? Or am I confusing myself? and it wouldn't be the first time - lol

[Mr Jensee]

You only have 1 brake disc caliper on the rear so it needs only 1. The two fronts are the same as the rear. If you look on the website at the top of the Kawasaki chart you will see that all Kawasakis before 01 use the sizes I posted. Go to the website or call them before ordering if you have any worries. It has been my experience with them that IF you make a mistake they will send you the correct part at no extra charge. I have not seen an 86 model but I am pretty sure they did not change brake disc and caliper sizes for the whole 17 year run of the bike. If someone more knowledgeable on that year could chime in, or better yet pm Carl Leo, he would know for sure.

[chicagorandy]

I copy/pasted the chart :

All models Prior to 01 SB7100S SB7100S SB8125L

The difference in adding the "L" to the 8125 is length. THere are actually 3 types/lengths of the 8125 but the 8125L seems to be what I need?

I will be placing an order for the bleeders and that nifty bleeder bag and hose deal and will report back when I install and try them. Today there is some sort of issue with their paypal connection so I'll try again Monday.

[Mr Jensee]

The extra length is the safe bet. In order to close the valve has to seat. If you buy a short one that won't happen.

[ghostler]

Not long ago at 40k miles, my clutch would not hold. Seals on the master cylinder were worn out letting pressure bleed off. Had to pump up the pressure by pumping the hand grip. Leave it in neutral at stops. After replacing, now it holds. It may be the OP's clutch master cylinder seals are worn.

[deperk1941]

The bottom of the master cylinder was filled with a substance not unlike putty. Cleaned everything out and clutch works great.