Motorcycle Repair: 1984 vf700c magna clutch, clutch lever, clutch cylinder

Question
I have a 1984 vf700c v45 magna, I have tried rebuilding the master clutch cylinder and the slave clutch cylinder to get the clutch to operate. I have bled the system completely. But when I open the bleeder valve very little fluid comes out and the clutch does not release. It feels as if the clutch is going to pressure up then bypasses, best description I can come up with. I have tried tapping on the push rod with a small rubber mallet to see if the clutch will disengage long enough to move the back wheel while in gear but no luck. Running out of ideas. Please any help offered is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello Dave,

There should be lots of fluid coming out
of the bleeder screw if you open
it and pull the clutch lever.

It can be difficult to get the air
out of these systems too.

I would start with keeping the master
cylinder full of fluid and
then opening the brake line bolts
themselves slightly.

First at the master cylinder
itself to see if it has any pressure
there on the line.

Also by working your way down from the
master cylinder it will release any
possible trapped air.

Then if the pressure is good on the master
cylinder line bolt tighten the bolt
before releasing the clutch lever
to prevent drawing air back in.

Move down to the line bolt on the
slave cylinder and try opening it
slightly when you pull the lever
and closing it before you release
the lever to prevent air draw.

If you can get pressure first at the
master and then at the slave
then you can start using the bleeder
screw to finish up.

If you cannot get good pressure right
at the master line/bolt then you have
a problem with the master cylinder.

Always tighten the bleeders with the
clutch lever pulled in to prevent
more air getting in the lines.

You will never be able to push the clutch
push rod by hand or with a mallett.
It takes alot of hydraulic pressure
to push that clutch rod in.

It is likely just the master or slave
still or air trapped in the master, slave or lines.

You should have a steady stream from
an open bleeder screw if all is well.
It can be tough to get all the air
out as sometimes small bubbles will
permeate the fluid.

Try not to get fluid on your paint
but if you remove the master reservoir
lid and look inside then tap the clutch lever
very slightly you may see small
bubbles working their way up
and out of the lines into the
reservoir this means there is air
in the fluid.

Good luck!
Wayne S.

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