[gorm5]

Earlier today, I decided I wanted to get rid of the non-functioning Sirius XM apparatus (was there when I bought the bike) that was located on my left handlebar adjacent to the grips. I took it off and decided to use the existing bracket to secure my cell phone. Works great! However, the Sirius was screwed into the brake fluid compartment. As I removed the Sirius, a good amount of the brake fluid came out.

Yes, I truly am mechanically-ignorant enough to have done this. :cussing:

Anyways, my bright idea is to simply refill the brake fluid compartment with premium DOT 4 brake fluid. Will that work or is there something else I should do before riding her again? Thanks for advice. I have attached a picture.

 

[bmwcoolk1200]

Earlier today, I decided I wanted to get rid of the non-functioning Sirius XM apparatus (was there when I bought the bike) that was located on my left handlebar adjacent to the grips. I took it off and decided to use the existing bracket to secure my cell phone. Works great! However, the Sirius was screwed into the brake fluid compartment. As I removed the Sirius, a good amount of the brake fluid came out.

Yes, I truly am mechanically-ignorant enough to have done this. :cussing:

Anyways, my bright idea is to simply refill the brake fluid compartment with premium DOT 4 brake fluid. Will that work or is there something else I should do before riding her again? Thanks for advice. I have attached a picture.

You should be able to just fill it back up with good old Valvoline (Dot3/4) compatible fluid. Just stay away from the silicone based Dot 5 fluids. She is an old girl and needs the glycol based fluid.

BTW, that is your clutch, just so you know. Same stuff. >

 

[red85k100rs]

As advised you should be fine.

guessing that brake fluid is the liquid on the cover.

BUT that brake fluid eats paint, try not to spill, and clean any spill right away.

 

[Buff8stuff]

Wipe it and spray with copious amounts of water ASAP. Brake Fluid is extremely harsh not only on your paint, but the other surfaces as well. It is also very toxic, does nasty things to your kidneys.

Water will neutralize it.

 

[james216]

You just refill with proper fluid as the posts advised

 

[gorm5]

Thanks for the help, guys. LOL. I suppose that is my clutch. I am going to rush home and make sure the brake fluid is wiped off properly.

 

[Munmi]

I am going to rush home and make sure the brake fluid is wiped off properly.

Not just wiped off, please wash diligently with water...lots of it. The spilled brake fluid needs to be GONE.

 

[saddleman]

Turn the handle bars all the way to the right to level it before you fill it.

 

[gorm5]

Ha! Will do. I ran home and used two drenched micro-cloths on the area. I seemed to have caught it before it did any damage to the paint. As I tell my wife, this is exactly why I pay others to work on my bikes. So jealous of you guys......

To my credit, I did install my own driver's backrest. :laugh:

 

[Voyager]

Turn the handle bars all the way to the right to level it before you fill it.

And don't fill it to the brim. Unlike the brakes, the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder will increase as the clutch wears. I fill mine to the bottom of the sight glass and it has always worked fine.

 

[jzeiler]

There is a little step shape on the inside fill to the lower line with the bars all the way right (reservoir as level as you can get it).

 

[red85k100rs]

You should be able to just fill it back up with good old Valvoline (Dot3/4) compatible fluid. Just stay away from the silicone based Dot 5 fluids. She is an old girl and needs the glycol based fluid.

BTW, that is your clutch, just so you know. Same stuff. >

I would use dot 4 fluid. not dot 3/4 compatible. I would only use 3/4 compatible in a pinch

 

[Voyager]

I would use dot 4 fluid. not dot 3/4 compatible. I would only use 3/4 compatible in a pinch

Why? Dot 3 and 4 are the same chemical base. If you don't need the slightly better temp capability of 4, they are completely interchangeable.

 

[bmwcoolk1200]

I would use dot 4 fluid. not dot 3/4 compatible. I would only use 3/4 compatible in a pinch

The Valvoline 3&4 synthetic fluid would have to meet all DOT4 specifications or it couldn't have it on the label but as Voyager stated, they are chemically compatible so they get a bigger market by letting people in on the fact that DOT4 can be used in any DOT3 with a single product packaging of DOT4 and a label including DOT3.

 

[red85k100rs]

I know it's just me, I am a a little different

I know you can use dot 3 in a pinch too, But I like to use what is listed on the cover if possible.
Maybe that's whats on the LT ( I havent looked, yet ) but my 85 k100rs says dot 4

I am just saying if I am going to go buy brake fluid and I have a choice between dot 4 and dot 3/4 I will get dot 4.

 

[Voyager]

I know it's just me, I am a a little different

I know you can use dot 3 in a pinch too, But I tlike to use what is listed on the cover if possible.
Maybe that's whats on the LT ( I havent looked, yet ) but my 85 k100rs says dot 4

I am just saying if I am going to go buy brake fluid and I have a choice between dot 4 and dot 3/4 I will get dot 4.

Your call for sure. Just wanted you to know that Dot 4 is completely fine to use in Dot 3 systems. The only functional difference is the slightly better temperature capability. The Valvoline synthetic 3/4 is a great fluid and what I have used for years.

Mixing Dot 3 and Dot 4 is no different then mixing SAE 20 and SAE 30 weight conventional motor oil. Completely compatible.

I remember when many would not mix conventional and synthetic motor oil, even though every oil maker said it was OK. And then the oil makers started selling blends... :smile:

 

[gorm5]

We ended up having a beautiful weekend in Illinois and I couldn't wait to ride, so when my wife sent me to Meijer to grocery shop on Friday I decided to just pick up brake fluid there. They did not have Dot 4, but they did have the Valvoline 3/4. I did a quick Google job and found that the 3/4 was completely compatible except for a lower temperature threshold. I went ahead and bought it.

 

[Voyager]

We ended up having a beautiful weekend in Illinois and I couldn't wait to ride, so when my wife sent me to Meijer to grocery shop on Friday I decided to just pick up brake fluid there. They did not have Dot 4, but they did have the Valvoline 3/4. I did a quick Google job and found that the 3/4 was completely compatible except for a lower temperature threshold. I went ahead and bought it.

What lower temperature threshold? The Valvoline product meets or exceeds the DOT dry and wet boiling point specs.

Valvoline 12 oz. DOT 3 and 4 brake fluid 601457 - Read Reviews on Valvoline #601457

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_fluid

 

[bmwcoolk1200]

What lower temperature threshold? The Valvoline product meets or exceeds the DOT dry and wet boiling point specs.

Valvoline 12 oz. DOT 3 and 4 brake fluid 601457 - Read Reviews on Valvoline #601457

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_fluid

Like I said, it is a DOT 4 fluid with a DOT 3 inclusive label. Why make 2 products when one will suffice for both applications.

 

[Voyager]

Like I said, it is a DOT 4 fluid with a DOT 3 inclusive label. Why make 2 products when one will suffice for both applications.

I agree, but gorm5 suggested that the Valvoline had lower temperature thresholds than other DOT 4 fluids and I am curious as to his google sources for said suggestion. I think it is bogus, but I'm always curious about such things.
:smile: