Clutch problem

[rockwell]

Hi guys,
We have a 1200 GS ,unfortunately we have overheated the clutch in heavy traffic and burnt the clutch out, we still have a good feal on the clutch lever but the clutch is not disengaging enough to stop the engine from stalling when a gear is selected, my gut feeling is that if we could extend the push rod on the slave cylinder it would get us out of trouble.
My question is can this be done as we are stranded in Peru .

 

[jwpzx9r]

That does not sound right. I would have thought if the clutch was burned out then it would slip and thus not stall but simpley not pull the higher gears when you hit the power. I suspect that the fault is in the hydraulics possibly the clutch slave cylinder. I would think someone with greater knowledge will be along soon but I don't understand how the clutch is not slipping if you burnt it out!

 

[Bikerjim]

Must have gone a bit to burn the clutch out?

I have this problem when doing lots of motorway miles. The clutch pressure drops and eventualy just like yours the clutch refuses to disengage.

I usualy pump the lever and bleed the air out the bleeed valve and its fine, which means that the system isnt air tight or the cylinder is knackered.

My problem is a bit intermitant so only bleed it once a week but then i do 500 miles a week

Good luck

And its a 8 mm spanner at the back and pre 08 models are i think clutch fluid post are hydalic (sp) fluid

Jim

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

The first thing I would be looking at is hydraulics as well. As said, generally when a clutch is burnt out it slips not drags. It is also possible that the plate is warped so it doesn't disengage properly but I would expect to feel lots of clutch judder with that. Other options are the release bearing has failed which would shorten the assembly so wouldn't disengage but you will get horrible noises to go with that. A clutch bleed is the easiest thing to try first so give that a go.

 

[alex_rsa]

Sounds more like an hydraulic problem or worse case a failed pressure plate. Try bleeding the clutch first.

Your sure it is the clutch and not something silly like the side-stand switch?

 

[Steptoe]

Hi guys,
We have a 1200 GS ,unfortunately we have overheated the clutch in heavy traffic and burnt the clutch out, .

I presume you've been holding the clutch in for long periods while negotiating the heavy traffic ? -

If so you've fecked the clutch slave cylinder - bmw's clutch slave cylinders don't like being held in while stationary. Even for short periods at traffic lights etc, take their toll after a while.

 

[patzx12]

A big not to do is put brake fluid in the clutch system, its a special BMW light oil. Brake fluid will bugger the seals.
There is a plastic cap at the top of the clutch housing if you manage to remove it you will have a good view of the clutch plate.

 

[SpudBoy]

I just had my bike serviced today (2009 R1200GSA) and they did a recall fix on the routing of the clutch line. Not 100% sure of the symptoms but I gathered the clutch fluid was getting too hot on longer runs and boiling (?), which stopped the clutch working.

Sorry I didn't pay more attention. On the invoice it says Warranty: Campaign 43/2009, so maybe that is worth searching on.

Hope you get it sorted soon.
David

Here's bit more info I found:

Title: Checking/correcting routing of clutch line

Bulletin#: 21 001 10 (002)

Units affected: some R1200GS & R1200GS-Adv

Failure mode: Incorrect clutch line routing can result in fade of clutch hand-lever pressure point.

Cause: Vibration/Cavitation can create clutch fluid air bubbles.

Correction: Dealer reroutes cable

Parts needed: Two zip ties

Warranty coverage: Falls under basic 3yr / 36k-mi warranty.

 

[Kremmen]

The recall is only to cable tie the hydraulic line to a frame downtube.
As Pat states, check the manual to confirm what fluid must be added to the clutch hyd. reservoir
On an 09 like mine the fluid is called "Vitomol" and is an oil, not a brake fluid. if you put dot 4 into the system the seals swell up very quickly and this in itself could be causing your problem.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

The recall is only to cable tie the hydraulic line to a frame downtube.
As Pat states, check the manual to confirm what fluid must be added to the clutch hyd. reservoir
On an 09 like mine the fluid is called "Vitomol" and is an oil, not a brake fluid. if you put dot 4 into the system the seals swell up very quickly and this in itself could be causing your problem.

Its also to take a dip out of the line as well if it had one. There were cases where air was getting trapped in the line causing the clutch not to fully release.

 

[rockwell]

Clutch

Hi guys,
Sorry for late thank you but we have had lack of Internet here for a few days,
I'm just getting my hands on the correct fluid then hopefully it will be sorted.
Thanks for all the knowledge.