Help/advice clutch slave cylinder leak

[Boxergs]

Hi Folks,

Well it never rains but it pours.....got bike out this morning (2000 1150gs 82k) started her up, into 1st gear and noticed clutch lever a little slack/no resistance? I was slipping the clutch slightly (or trying to) to get out of the snow covered drive and found that when I pull the clutch lever in it it does not disengage the clutch and stalls.

So...bike back into garage, and check clutch fluid which is low....did a quick search on here and saw a few threads about slave cylinder and leaking hoses....also thought I'd clean up the gear linkage in case it was that but no.....

I can now see clutch fluid all over the collector box so it looks like either the slave cylinder is fecked or the rubber hose/banjo thing or both.

Now I'm not very good spannering and really need to get this looked at asap...ie...within the next day or so.

So my question is, does anyone know anyone reasonably local in the Wakefield/Ponte/Doncaster area who can help me? I am willing to try to ride the thing clutchless to get to said place although with the snow/ice on the side roads I'll be pushing it to the main road first

I really need to try and get this sorted asap as I use the bike daily to get to/from work so any pointers will be welcome.

Otherwise it may be a visit to Scrimingers down the A1 but thats a little further that I really want to go with no clutch!

Here's hoping someone can assist and point me in the right direction......Hopefully not at B*W prices as cash is tight to say the least.

Thanks in advance
Phil

 

[Steptoe]

It could be just the banjo bolts have loosened on the slave cylinder, or the small ali washers each side of the banjo bolts have corroded.

 

[Boxergs]

Banjo

Hi Neil,

Just got off the phone to Steve at Scrimingers ( http://www.scriminger.co.uk ) who is of the same opinion due to the leaking fluid.

So just trying to source a possible recon slave (just in case) gonna try motoworks/motobins. Got to nip out for an hour now.....next question.....riding clutchless?...is it just a case of snicking it into neutral when at junctions etc and just being very careful changing up and down and trying to match engine revs or is there anything else to consider?

Thanks again for any replies/suggestions

 

[Steptoe]

.....next question.....riding clutchless?...is it just a case of snicking it into neutral when at junctions etc and just being very careful changing up and down and trying to match engine revs or is there anything else to consider?

Thanks again for any replies/suggestions

Snick it into neutral before coming to a halt.

From a standstill, Paddle away using your feet to get some forward motion and then snick it into gear.

 

[Boxergs]

Replacement slave cylinder

Well a new slave cylinder ordered from Motobins for delivery tomo...(£66)

I imagine we might as well change it whilst the bikes in bits as Sod's law says that if I don't then it fail shortly afterwards

Provisionally booked in at Scrimingers for Wed morning unless anyone comes up with anywhere closer in the meantime. Just hoping the weather holds so I can get there and back.

Phil

 

[Boxergs]

Fluid topup?

Seeing as there's no resistance at all at the lever, presumably cos its all pissed out onto the collector box is it worth a topup of fluid to give me a temporary few changes into 1st at junctions or what....am I wasting my time?

Supposed to going first thing in the morning, whats the forecast?.......snow.....again!...typical....

 

[philandktb]

Don't risk your life - I'm off work 2moro if you want me to come to you with my car and trailer I live near Selby - where is Scrimmagers?
Be pleased to help.

 

[flatdog]

wheres

Scriminger Engine Developments
Specialists in BMW Motorcycles & Aero Conversions

Unit 1
Pride Court
Sleaford Enterprise Park
Sleaford
Lincs
NG34 8GL

 

[Timolgra]

Get youself a front brake bleed nipple and fit it to the clutch bleed, it makes life much simpler and spray the new slave and fittings with ACF50

 

[philandktb]

That's 65 miles without a clutch!!! May need a new gearbox and some blood pressure pills by the time he gets there. Think again brave boy!!! Still prepared to help.

 

[Boxergs]

Thanks

Don't risk your life - I'm off work 2moro if you want me to come to you with my car and trailer I live near Selby - where is Scrimmagers?
Be pleased to help.

That's a very generous offer, thanks. I will see what daylight brings. Hopefully it will turn to rain overnight and will be ok.....once I'm on main roads it's virtually a straight run with only one set of light's if I remember correctly so I should be able to keep the wheels turning all the way cos I don't fancy paddling it in the snow

Anyone think a fluid topup is worth bothering with or not

Thanks again

Phil

 

[Pekkavee]

Fluid topup doesn't help you.
I hope you survive your trip tomorrow.

If I were you I would accept philandktb's help offer with no hesitation.

Good luck
Pekka

 

[Steptoe]

That's 65 miles without a clutch!!! May need a new gearbox and some blood pressure pills by the time he gets there. Think again brave boy!!! Still prepared to help.

Why a new gearbox ? Have you tried clutchless gearchanges on a BMW.

Match the engine speed to road speed, be gentle and easy peasy.

I think noddy rode all the way back from spain on his 1100GS clutchless a couple of years ago.

I've ridden across london without a clutch, on a norton interpol, the rotary engine bike. The Mk1 that used a solaniod to activate the second cylinder once off tick over if you've ever ridden one ( clutchless) you'll know what a feat that is.

 

[philandktb]

Yes, I've ridden the GS clutchless before and I know how to do it, only problem arises when approaching junctions, traffic signals and the idiot in front. I also know that the gearboxes are pretty robust and will take alot of punishment. Now, riding in snow clutchless is another issue. Anyhow, BoxerGS if you change your mind and want a tow give me a call. I have sent you a PM with my phone number.

 

[Boxergs]

Philandktb.....Thanks again for the offer, will check and respond to PM shortly......as long as the weather is ok I think I'll be fine...2 side road junctions, 1 A road junction, then 6 roundabouts to the A1, 25 miles on A1, then just 4 roundabouts, 1 right turn and one more roundabout. As long as traffic isn't too heavy, with a bit of forwards observation, I 'should' be able to just merge without too much fuss. Thats the plan anyway

 

[spot]

I see you say you are no good at spannering. Neither am i but i managed to change my slave cylinder without cocking anything up a sight quicker than riding to lincolnshire. Why not have a go? its a fiddly b but simple enough.

 

[Boxergs]

Sorted

Hi Folks, all now sorted.

I decided, (or was told by SWMBO) to take up Phil's kind offer and towed the bike down to Scrimingers. Thanks again Phil We'll definitely meet up for a ride when spring eventually arrives


Great service again by Steve, wheel off, F/D and paralever off, swingarm and shock out....Steptoe hit the nail on the head, slave cylinder/banjo and hoses were all ok but the cause of the leak was corroded aluminium washers. So, replaced with copper ones. Forked out money for a new slave so fitted that anyway

Now I have seen whats involved I would be more confident in the future but I'm glad that I didn't attempt it solo with my limited toolbox

So....mobile again, yippee Back to work tomo

Thanks again to all

 

[Pekkavee]

Good to know that you survived, thanks to Phil and your SWMBO.
And the bike is OK now.

Pekka