Flushing clutch fluid
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
If you check your clutch reservoir and the fluid is dark (not transparent), use a syringe to pull the fluid out. Take a paper towel (shake it out first to remove some excess fibers), and rip the inside of the reservoir. This should pick up the dirty stuff that clung to the inside. Then refill the reservoir.
I do this instead of flushing. I just got my Z, and try to check it every week or before every wash by sight (without removing the cap) to see if the fluid looks somewhat clear. Others check it at longer intervals.
I do this instead of flushing. I just got my Z, and try to check it every week or before every wash by sight (without removing the cap) to see if the fluid looks somewhat clear. Others check it at longer intervals.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 36
From: Middle Of Kali CA
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 0
From: Nokomis FL
Sorry guy's only gave you 1/2 of the information.
I have a remote bleeder and can drain at will. I would prefer it if I could do it without involving my bride of many years pushing the clutch. I've heard that the minyvac may cause turbulance when drawing the fluid causing air pockets. On the other hand the Motive may force air into the fluid when pushing causing air pockets.
Before I run out and buy one I'd love an opinion by someone who has used them.
I have a remote bleeder and can drain at will. I would prefer it if I could do it without involving my bride of many years pushing the clutch. I've heard that the minyvac may cause turbulance when drawing the fluid causing air pockets. On the other hand the Motive may force air into the fluid when pushing causing air pockets.
Before I run out and buy one I'd love an opinion by someone who has used them.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Not familiar with either system however, pumping the clutch is not necessary. The system is self bleeding anyway. Just takes some time. Best way I have found is to stick a shop towel in the resevoir and sop it dry, then refill. Wait 10 minutes, do it again. Repeat as necessary until system is clean. If you come back after 10 minutes and it's clean, or semi clean, wait a little longer between repeating the process to ensure it's clean. Then pump it a time or two to get any that may have been unstirred. Pumping between does no good and just isn't worth the aggravation.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area California
Flushing clutch fluid
Sorry guy's only gave you 1/2 of the information.
I have a remote bleeder and can drain at will. I would prefer it if I could do it without involving my bride of many years pushing the clutch. I've heard that the minyvac may cause turbulance when drawing the fluid causing air pockets. On the other hand the Motive may force air into the fluid when pushing causing air pockets.
Before I run out and buy one I'd love an opinion by someone who has used them.
I have a remote bleeder and can drain at will. I would prefer it if I could do it without involving my bride of many years pushing the clutch. I've heard that the minyvac may cause turbulance when drawing the fluid causing air pockets. On the other hand the Motive may force air into the fluid when pushing causing air pockets.
Before I run out and buy one I'd love an opinion by someone who has used them.
A1
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,993
Likes: 61
From: Fort Wayne IN
If you check your clutch reservoir and the fluid is dark (not transparent), use a syringe to pull the fluid out. Take a paper towel (shake it out first to remove some excess fibers), and rip the inside of the reservoir. This should pick up the dirty stuff that clung to the inside. Then refill the reservoir.
I do this instead of flushing. I just got my Z, and try to check it every week or before every wash by sight (without removing the cap) to see if the fluid looks somewhat clear. Others check it at longer intervals.
I do this instead of flushing. I just got my Z, and try to check it every week or before every wash by sight (without removing the cap) to see if the fluid looks somewhat clear. Others check it at longer intervals.
I'll check it every couple of months or so. Over the past couple of years I bet I've ran a couple of quarts through the system. 
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 837
Likes: 2
From: Derry NH
I did the 'keep the reservoir clean' method for a few years and had no problems with spirited driving and minimal drag racing. As soon as I started HPDEs on a road course my clutch stuck to the floor (and popped back on its own). It did this all weekend, even with a clean reservoir.
I flushed using the two person method of depressing clutch pedal and opening bleed screw. After that I have had zero clutch issues.
My vote: use the pedal-pushing 'old fashioned' bleeding method. It will only take 2-3 minutes of your bride's time. My wife helps me bleed the brakes too, she just sits back and exercises her leg for a few minutes
I flushed using the two person method of depressing clutch pedal and opening bleed screw. After that I have had zero clutch issues.
My vote: use the pedal-pushing 'old fashioned' bleeding method. It will only take 2-3 minutes of your bride's time. My wife helps me bleed the brakes too, she just sits back and exercises her leg for a few minutes
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: New York
A turkey baster has worked for me not only with my ZO6, however with every other vehicle I have owned for the past few years! Very simple method and takes less then 5 minutes to complete. I change the clutch fluid every oil change to insure clean fluid and proper function. Make sure to place the baster in a safe place though, dont want it finding its way back to the kitchen this next Thanksgiving, lol!
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
Get a speed bleeder screw for your remote bleeder, just like the brake bleed scews. Then just pumping the brake pedal is a one man operation. Just crack it with something to catch the fluid, and pump the pedal.
FWIW, I don't see how the system could be 'self bleeding'. There is only one hose, no way for fluid to circulate. From what I know a remote bleeder is the only way to actually bleed easily. Getting to the stock bleed screw is insane.
FWIW, I don't see how the system could be 'self bleeding'. There is only one hose, no way for fluid to circulate. From what I know a remote bleeder is the only way to actually bleed easily. Getting to the stock bleed screw is insane.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 180
Likes: 1