Hydraulic clutch fluid ?

[offworlder]

The manual for my 2009 450 RR states use "ARAL VITAM LS mineral oil", but both the dealer and distributer say to use Dot 4 brake fluid, and even the clutch cylinder says Dot 4 on it.

The manual also states:
"It is essential that only mineral oil should be used."

Would appreciate clarification whether to use the DOT 4 brake fluid, or stated mineral oil.

Thanks.

[chrismorley]

probably best to stick with the mineral oil
the dot 4 may damage the seals

[Haychip]

US bikes come with DOT4, I'm sure yours do too. It is easy to tell, does the fluid you have now smell like brake fluid?

[offworlder]

It was a demo bike (used), so its hard to know. I recently replaced the clutch cylinder, so I had to bleed the lines, and something weird happened:
- bled lines, installed new clutch, no problems.
- hours of riding later, ofter a gentle fall in some mud, the clutch felt like nothing - no pressure.
- rode back to civilization, bled the lines again, no difference, was about to throw in the towel, and it starting working !

Would appreciate any ideas as to what could have caused this, as it was quite disconcerting. Best theory I can come up with is small particles of something were dislodged ?

[Haychip]

what did you put in DOT 4 or mineral oil?

[offworlder]

I used Dot 4, as that was the info I was given, albeit it conflicts with the manual as stated.

[Haychip]

I'd take apart the master cylinder, clean everything up flush out the line and clean up the output cylinder, all fresh fluid.

[RRyder]

I'd take apart the master cylinder, clean everything up flush out the line and clean up the output cylinder, all fresh fluid.

Dot4 or mineral oil ? ?

[Orangeshirtdude]

Brake fluid is a giant pain so why not just use Magura Blood or Shimano's mineral oil stuff, which is pretty much the same thing and available at almost every bicycle store in town? You can spill it all over everything and not worry.

[RRyder]

I have used mineral oil previously when I replaced the slave cylinder. One thing came up after it was all said and done. With the engine running and clutch pulled all the way in, the bike doesn't want to go into neutral, unless it is rolling. Anyone have this issue before? I have tried bleeding it again... etc...
Any guidance is appreciated.